Thyolo District Commissioner, Hudson Kuphanga, has appealed to the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) to open its markets and start selling maize in the district to help address the growing food shortage.

Speaking during the closure of the two-day Thyolo Agriculture Trade Fair on Saturday, Kuphanga said many households in the district are struggling to access food, mainly due to the scarcity of maize and escalating prices.

“People in Thyolo are facing hunger. Opening ADMARC depots will go a long way in cushioning communities from the current maize price hikes,” said Kuphanga.

He added that the commodity’s price has soared to about K70,000 per 50-kilogram bag in most parts of the district, making it unaffordable for many families.

“We are appealing to ADMARC to intervene urgently. This is the time people need access to affordable maize, not when it is too late,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, there was no immediate response from ADMARC on the appeal, though many residents in Thyolo have welcomed the District Commissioner’s call, saying it reflects the reality on the ground.

The first-ever Thyolo Agriculture Trade Fair brought together various stakeholders, including farmers, agribusiness companies, and development partners, to showcase agricultural products and discuss challenges affecting the sector.