Figures from the Emergency Agriculture and Food Security Surveillance System (EmA-FSS) Bulletin show that availability of maize has seen prices lower to a minimum of K111 per kilogram (kg) or K5 600 per 50 kg bag.

According to the food survey, Kasungu has the lowest price decline at K111 per kg while Nkhata Bay registered the highest price of maize costing K221.30 or K11 110 per 50 kg bag.

On the down side of things, a report by the Centre for Social Concern (CfSC) has outlined that unscrupulous vendors are still defiant against the gate prices set by the Ministry of Agriculture; the vendors are buying up to 50% lower than what was directed.

The situation is rampant due to Admarc’s delay in opening of markets, as the report has called on the government to strictly enforce adherence to farm gate price by vendors and ensure that Admarc is capacitated to be able to open all its markets and have enough funds.

The call for government’s intervention follows the Grain Traders Association of Malawi (Gtam), which said that the lack of integrity among vendors and some companies is exploiting smallholder farmers in the country.