SIMUUSA
By JAMES KUNDA-
THE Government has exported more than 40,000 tonnes of maize and has also issued permits for the dispatch of 59, 910 tonnes of mealie-meal to some countries in the sub region.
As at mid June 2014, about 43,590 tonnes of maize had been exported to Congo DR, Malawi and Tanzania.
Agriculture Minister Wylbur Simuusa said permits has also been issued for the export of 17,310 tonnes of maize bran, 1,260 tonnes of brewer grit and 2,340 tonnes of maize seed.
Mr Sumuusa said in Lusaka yesterday that, Government was determined to promote agriculture and make Zambia the food basket of the Southern Africa region and beyond.
“Two months ago, a Statutory Instrument was signed to lift the ban on the export of maize and there is no intention to prohibit the exercise again.
“As Government, we shall endeavour to be consistent on this policy of open borders for grain exports to enable our farmers and stakeholders to forecast and plan ahead,” he added.
The Minister said the country will continue to produce bumper harvests through the Government’s deliberate policies.
“Through these deliberate policies and tireless efforts from the farmers, this country is expected to continue producing bumper harvests,” Mr Simuusa said.
Zambia has in the 2013/2014 farming season produced not less than 3.3 million tonnes of maize, which is a remarkable improvement from the 2012/2013 season of 2.5 million tonnes of maize.
