RESIDENTS DEMAND FOR THE REDUCTION OF MEALIE MEAL PRICES IN VIEW OF THE ANNOUNCED BUMPER HARVEST

BY SYLVESTER KAUMBA

Lusaka residents say the projected Maize bumper harvest should translate into cheaper mealie meal price if it is to be appreciated.
Speaking in an interview with Komboni radio news today, residents say the bumper harvest should not only remain in figures but should be felt by the people.

They added that it will be difficult for them to understand and appreciate government’s pronouncement of bumper harvest amidst high Mealie meal prices on the market.

On Tuesday, Agriculture Minister Dora Siliya announced that Zambia will once again record a bumper harvest for the 2016/17 farming season with an estimated maize production of 3, 606, 549 metric tonnes.

Ms Siliya announced this in Lusaka when she released crop forecast estimates for 2016-2017 season.

She explained that maize production has increased by 25 percent, 31 percent in soyabeans and 28 percent in groundnuts production.

And Ms Siliya also disclosed that government has with immediate effect lifted the ban on the export of maize to other countries.

 

And in a related development, Kasama Milling Company Director Lupando Munkonge has welcomed the move by the government to lift the ban on the export of maize to other countries.

Mr. Munkonge says lifting the ban on the export of maize products to neighboring countries where the commodity is fetching a higher price is a welcome move.

Mr. Munkonge however called for caution in the export of maize and its products in a bid to safeguard the national food security between now and the next marketing season.

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