People from Sub-Traditional Authority Matola in Balaka District have expressed excitement with Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) for introducing mobile markets in the area.

The development follows a directive from the Ministry of Agriculture to allow Admarc to initiate mobile selling to enable people in remote areas buy maize within their reach.

People offload maize from a truck in Balaka District

Speaking on Saturday at Khwisa in Balaka North Constituency where Admarc established a maize selling point, Margaret Nthumba from Chikuse said the move will save people from travelling long distances to Admarc depot at Balaka Boma.

“We are pleased to buy cheap maize from Admarc because vendors sell five kilogrammes at K3 750,” she said.  

In an interview, Admarc Ntcheu and Balaka districts manager Thokozani Fole said this was a pilot exercise after the ministry authorised the grain marketer to start maize mobile vending.

“People have been travelling long distances in search of the staple grain. We have brought 15 tonnes of maize for the people of Khwisa and we will continue with the exercise in other areas,” he said.

Balaka North legislator Tony Ngalande (Malawi Congress Party) said he engaged the Ministry of Agriculture and Admarc after he realised the extent of hunger in the area.

He said: “I sincerely thank government for allowing that we pilot this exercise in Balaka North.

“I have humbly contributed transport so that maize reaches my area to help the most vulnerable buy maize at K15 000 a bag.”

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