NFRA Board Chairperson Dennis Kalekeni says they are monitoring the maize prices and they will undertake necessary measures to ensure a successful procurement process.

"We believe the PPDA approval will assist to procure maize for the strategic grain reserves from registered groups," Kalekeni said.

Farmers Union of Malawi President Flyton Njolomole has welcomed the move while asking the government to open more selling points.

"We are glad that government has finally made an assurance to procure the maize from farmers but there is a need to increase market points," Njolomole said.

Agriculture expert Dr. Kingdom Kwapata from the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural resources has described it as a big boost activity to co-operatives in the country.

"Our farmers will benefit through this arrangement and am asking the co-operatives to exercise professionalism during this procurement period," Dr. Kwapata added.

Treasury released K12 billion to the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) to buy 50 000 metric tons of maize to restock the country’s strategic grain reserves.