President Lazarus Chakwera has directed the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) to reopen all its depots by the end of this week in response to the escalating food shortage crisis affecting many parts of the country.

Speaking in Chikwawa District, President Chakwera expressed concern over the growing scarcity of food and has also instructed the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA) to provide food aid to vulnerable families unable to afford maize from the government’s grain-selling outlets.

Agriculture experts have praised the president’s swift action, noting that it will help to stabilize rising maize prices on the local market. Tamani Nkhono, a leading agricultural expert, remarked, “This order will not only increase maize availability at affordable prices but also contribute to price stability.”

Meanwhile, DODMA is in the midst of a K88 billion fundraising campaign aimed at supporting families facing food insecurity.