Story by Mabvuto Kalawa, Correspondent, Malawi News Network

For many years, especially during the Kamuzu Banda era, the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation, ADMARC, was one of Malawi’s most respected parastatals.Chakwera faces low turnout at Mtakataka ADMARC stop

It was widely known as nkhokwe ya alimi, the granary for farmers, for its role in buying crops directly from growers across the country.

Today, that reputation feels distant.

Our correspondent spoke with residents in several communities about the future of ADMARC and what went wrong.Police To Probe Greenbelt, Admarc Officials

Mr. Félix John of Nduta Village, Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka, said the decline of ADMARC is rooted in political interference.

He recalled that during Kamuzu Banda’s presidency, ADMARC bought crops from farmers nationwide, but that system is now history.

Another resident, Joel Mlaviwa, argued that the downfall began when vendors were allowed to buy crops directly from farmers.

He said democratic-era leaders neglected ADMARC and used it for personal and political gain instead of serving farmers.Admarc Lobbies Parliament For More Funds To Revamp Operations

Agnes Kwali, a farmer, said ADMARC has suffered from late and inadequate funding for years.

She added that this underfunding is one reason Malawi continues to face food insecurity.

Kwali also noted that ADMARC once ran its own estates, but all of them have since been closed.

An ADMARC worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, blamed the decline on negligence by some managers with political affiliations.Rising Maize Prices Spark Concern as ADMARC Sells at Lower Rates

The question now is whether ADMARC can recover and once again deserve the name nkhokwe ya alimi.

It is a question that remains food for thought for Malawi’s leaders.