Grain reserves for Malawi are said to be at an all time low, as the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) has only stored 25,000 metric tonnes (MT) out of 217,000 that it planned for. On the other hand, Admarc is also struggling to stock the staple grain.

NFRA is currently in the process of tendering supply bids for maize, as the firm’s CEO Nasinuku Saukira confirmed that maize will be bought this month. Initially, the NFRA had allocated K8 billion to buy the staple grain last August.

In April this year, Grain Traders and Processors Association of Malawi has said there is a rising demand for maize on the local market, such that members have resolved to start importing the maize from neighbouring Zambia.

Grain Traders and Processors Association of Malawi President Grace Mhango stated that the maize market was stable until Cylone Idai hit some parts of the country, which affected the crop.