NFRA builds up maize stocks ahead of El Niño

The National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) says it is targeting a strategic grain reserve of 217,000 metric tonnes (MT) of maize as Malawi prepares for a strong El Niño weather phenomenon that could trigger food insecurity. NFRA Chief Executive Officer Bruce Munthali said the agency has so far procured 13,967MT of maize across the country since purchases began on July 22, 2026, spending about K12.5 billion. Speaking after touring Mzuzu maize silos with members of the NFRA board Monday, Munthali said the agency also has about 82,000MT of carry-over maize from previous stocks. He said government has allocated K100 billion for the purchase of 108,000MT of maize from 185 approved local suppliers. This is expected to increase total reserves to about 190,000MT, leaving a deficit of about 27,000MT to meet the 217,000MT target. "We are working vigorously to ensure that we have the required stocks. It is work in progress. So far, about 100 suppliers have come on board while others are still mobilising," Munthali said. He added that the agency is also considering reviving the Chitipa NFRA depot to procure more maize from the Northern Region. Meanwhile, NFRA Board Chairperson Reverend Howard Matiya Nkhoma warned staff against corruption and negligence in managing the country's strategic grain reserves. "Wherever there are issues involving money and a valuable commodity such as maize, people may be tempted to benefit improperly," Matiya Nkhoma said. NFRA currently operates maize depots in Kanengo, Mzimba, Mzuzu, Luchenza, Zomba, Mangochi, Bangula, Limbe and Karonga. The Agriculture Development and Marketing Corporation is targeting the purchase of 65,000MT of maize this year. According to the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, there is a 62 percent chance of below-normal rainfall during the critical January to March period. The department warns that the weather conditions could reduce maize production, cause crop failures, lower household incomes and worsen food insecurity. Malawi requires about 3.5 to four million metric tonnes of maize annually to meet national consumption needs.

Times Malawi Times Malawi · Wire Report · 8 hours ago · 2 min read

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WIRE — The National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) says it is targeting a strategic grain reserve of 217,000 metric tonnes (MT) of maize as Malawi prepares for a strong El Niño weather phenomenon that could trigger food insecurity. NFRA Chief Executive Officer Bruce Munthali said the agency has so far procured 13,967MT of maize across the country since purchases began on July 22, 2026, spending about K12.5 billion. Speaking after touring Mzuzu maize silos with members of the NFRA board Monday, Munthali said the agency also has about 82,000MT of carry-over maize from previous stocks. He said government has allocated K100 billion for the purchase of 108,000MT of maize from 185 approved local suppliers. This is expected to increase total reserves to about 190,000MT, leaving a deficit of about 27,000MT to meet the 217,000MT target. "We are working vigorously to ensure that we have the required stocks. It is work in progress. So far, about 100 suppliers have come on board while others are still mobilising," Munthali said. He added that the agency is also considering reviving the Chitipa NFRA depot to procure more maize from the Northern Region. Meanwhile, NFRA Board Chairperson Reverend Howard Matiya Nkhoma warned staff against corruption and negligence in managing the country's strategic grain reserves. "Wherever there are issues involving money and a valuable commodity such as maize, people may be tempted to benefit improperly," Matiya Nkhoma said. NFRA currently operates maize depots in Kanengo, Mzimba, Mzuzu, Luchenza, Zomba, Mangochi, Bangula, Limbe and Karonga. The Agriculture Development and Marketing Corporation is targeting the purchase of 65,000MT of maize this year. According to the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, there is a 62 percent chance of below-normal rainfall during the critical January to March period. The department warns that the weather conditions could reduce maize production, cause crop failures, lower household incomes and worsen food insecurity. Malawi requires about 3.5 to four million metric tonnes of maize annually to meet national consumption needs.

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