Government says it will still procure maize from local farmers despite the 200,000 metric tonnes being imported from Zambia as part of efforts to alleviate hunger in the country.

Minister of Finance Joseph Mwanamvekha's statement comes in reaction to concerns by local farmers that the Zambia deal would stifle their opportunity to sell the staple grain.

According to the ministry of Agriculture the importation will enable the government to sell the maize at less than K50 000 per 50 kilogramme (kg) bag.

Mwanamvekha has acknowledged that the country needs more food considering the 2025 Malawi Vulnerability Report which projected that about 4 Million people are likely to face Hunger in the lean season.

He stresses that the government values local farmers because of their contribution to the country's food sustainability hence the decision to buy some produce from them.

President for Grain Traders and Processors Association of Malawi Grace Mijiga Mhango has hailed the government for the decision, but admits that local farmers have little stocks to offer to the government.

In June this year, the World Food Programme (WFP) projected Malawi’s maize deficit at 1.2 million MT or 33 percent of harvest.

Government says its decision to procure maize from Zambia is meant to ensure there's a balance in the supply of the grain for both commercial sale and relief support.