By Thula Chisamba

Rumphi, January 10, Mana: People in Rumphi can now afford a smile as the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) has started selling maize in the district's depots.

Locals in the district have expressed their happiness at the opportunity to buy maize at affordable prices having struggled to access the staple grain due to scarcity and high prices on the market.

Before ADMARC opened the market in the district, maize was selling at a minimum of K1000 per kilogram (kg) which made it difficult for low income earners to access it.

Spot checks conducted, on Friday, days after ADMARC opened its markets in the district established that vendors have reduced their prices to K900 per kg while ADMARC is selling at K790 per kilogram.

One of the buyers, Selifa Kaonga who came from Chatumbwa Village, Traditional Authority Chikulamayembe, expressed her excitement at the development.

 "I am so happy that ADMARC has started selling maize here in Rumphi," she said. "I was struggling to find maize on the market, and even when I did, the prices were too high. But now, I can buy maize at a price that I can afford," said Kawonga.

In an interview on Friday, Rumphi Boma ADMARC depot committee secretary, Chrispin Msumba said that the depot has received a large consignment of maize, which is being sold to the public at a subsidized price.

 "We are happy to announce that we have started selling maize at this depot. Since we commenced the exercise on Monday, we have not registered any serious challenges.

"We understand the struggles that people have been facing in accessing maize, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to this staple food," said Msumba.

He also warned vendors against buying maize from their depot in order to resell to people at higher prices.