ZAMBIA has been fortunate enough to record impressive maize harvests in recent farming seasons.
The previous three seasons have recorded bumper harvests, with maize tonnages beyond the nation’s consumption requirements.
What is even more gratifying is that most of this maize has been produced by small and medium-scale farmers.
Most of these have been beneficiaries of the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) by Government, which as subsidised fertilisers and other inputs.
In trying to achieve food security, the Government has consistently supported this programme, albeit with a number of challenges.
Overall, the results can be seen in the fact that maize production remains high and projects more bumper harvests are the order of the day.
Agriculture and Livestock Minister Given Lubinda announced that the country currently has adequate maize stocks for consumption, as well as exports for two years.
With annual consumptions of 1.2 million tonnes, the country was safe from what he termed a looming food shortage in the region, because it still had about 1.4 million tonnes in reserve.
This amount is exclusive of the expected three million tonnes from the latest farming season.
What is required now is a strategic plan for the utilisation of the harvests, for the benefit of the majority of Zambians.
While timely collection from farmers and proper storage of the maize has been a concern recently, there are sufficient indications that Government is addressing these concerns.
It has built more storage facilities across the country and with the continued programme of road works, improved collection of the maize from farmers is guaranteed.
However, our view is that Government should vigorously pursue its plans of setting up milling plants in all part of the country to ensure affordable mealie meal prices.
It also ensures that the country can make more money from exports to other countries.
Because of the high production costs in maize growing, Government does not make as much money from exports of maize.
But it could get even more revenue by adding value to the maize and exporting it as mealie meal.
As Mr Lubinda said, Zambia had better milling technology but the country does not have enough capacity to export the required amounts mealie meal to DRC, which has huge market potential.
President Edgar Lungu has already provided a vision for enhancement of the milling industry and everyone, from Government institutions to the private sector, should begin to support this plan.
It not only benefits Government coffers, but also empowers more farmers and creates more jobs in the milling industry.