Government has suspended all services of state grain marketer, ADMARC, with immediate effect and staff has been told not to report for duties unless instructed as such.

Agriculture minister, Lobin Lowe, announced the development during media briefing on Wednesday.

Lowe said Admarc staff will be on paid leave. Only staff working in strategic ADMARC selling points will continue selling maize to ensure people are not negatively affected.

The minister said the idea is to ensure ADMARC is serving the purpose it was originally established for.

Lowe said corruption and abuse of resources are some of the factors affecting operations of ADMARC hence this decision.