By CHATULA KANGALI –
The Dairy Association of Zambia (DAZ) has expressed worry at the low supply of maize bran on the market which has caused the price of the commodity to go up.
The shortage has been attributed to rampant smuggling of the commodity into the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where the price is high.
According to a Zambia National Farmers Union website update, a 25 kilogramme (kg) bag of maize bran has been increased to K38 from about K15.
The association said more than 20 trucks loaded with maize bran allegedly for smuggling to the neigbouring market were recently impounded.
“The association is concerned with the high cost of bran due to artificial shortages created by bran smuggling. A 25 kilogramme bag of maize bran is now costing as high as K38 from about K15,” DAZ stated.
The association has, however, advised all its members to be alert and report to the anti-smuggling task force, through the secretariat, any vehicles suspected to be carrying bran for illegal export.
“Lives of the calves are in your hands, therefore, every kilo of bran counts. Let us guard against maize bran smuggling,” the association advised members.
Recently, Government and stakeholders allowed millers to export 10,000 tonnes of maize bran to free up space for new maize.
