By Roy Howa

Lilongwe, June 24, Mana: The Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) says it has utilised more than 80 percent of the K5 billion allocated by government for maize procurement, with buying activities continuing in commercial markets across the country.

ADMARC Public Relations Officer Theresa Chapulapula told the Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Tuesday that the corporation remains actively engaged in maize purchases in most districts.

“ADMARC has utilised over 80 percent of the K5 billion allocated for maize purchases. We are continuing to buy maize daily through our commercial markets across the country,” said Chapulapula.

She said maize procurement began earlier in the marketing season in various districts, adding that ADMARC currently has 240 commercial markets and 119 social markets operational nationwide.

Chapulapula further confirmed that ADMARC commenced cotton buying on June 18, 2026 in selected districts, although she did not disclose whether Treasury had released additional funding for the exercise.

“ADMARC commenced cotton purchasing on June 18, 2026 in some parts of the country,” she said.

Meanwhile, Cotton Farmers Association of Malawi (COFAM) Chief Executive Officer Synowden Mbalafana confirmed in a separate interview that ADMARC has started purchasing cotton in Salima, Chikwawa and Nsanje districts.

However, Mbalafana appealed to government to extend the programme to Karonga, describing ADMARC as the main cotton buyer in the district.

He said delays in ADMARCs entry into the cotton market negatively affected farmers incomes and food security, particularly in communities that heavily rely on cotton production.

“The delay has affected farmers, especially in areas where cotton is the main source of income. In some districts, farmers depend entirely on cotton sales to buy food,” said Mbalafana.

Despite the delays, he welcomed ADMARCs return to the market, describing the development as better late than never.