MAIZE ROW ENDS
…grain traders agree to release more maize
FARMERS and traders have agreed to offload maize on the open market for millers in a move that is likely to push mealie meal prices down.
This follows a successful meeting which took place between the Millers Association of Zambia (MAZ), Grain Traders Association of Zambia (GTAZ) and Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) last week.
The meeting was held to find a lasting solution to the increased mealie meal prices.
The three associations were at loggerheads as traders and farmers refused to offload maize on the open market on allegations that millers were not paying for the commodity, thereby pushing mealie meal prices upwards.
MAZ chairperson, Andrew Chintala, assured the nation that the maize issue was adequately addressed by the three associations.
Mr. Chintala explained that the traders and farmers had since agreed to release the grain on the open market.
“Solutions have been found and the issues we had between us were addressed adequately and I do not think that should worry us. The traders will definitely release the maize, we know now that traders and farmers have maize which will be offloaded on the market. We have made progress,” he said.
Mr. Chintala said in an interview that the three associations would soon meet the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Michael Katambo, for further discussions on the matter.
He emphasised that it was prudent that the associations met to discuss the matter and protect consumers from escalating mealie meal prices.
“It was prudent that we ironed out our issues and found a way forward, I do not even see where the rivalry was coming from because each one has to understand their roles in the maize market.
“We just had to understand each other and gave each other assurance. We are all interdependent and we depend on each other as far as value chain is concerned and offtake of whatever is produced,” Mr. Chintala said.
“I can confirm that the meeting was there between GTAZ, ZNFU, and us, we had a very cordial meeting where we reached a conclusion. I think we reached a concession amongst us and we are yet to meet the minister and present the outlook for our sector with the current situation,” Mr Chintala said.