GRAIN TRADERS OFFLOADED MORE MAIZE

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU OVER 30 percent of the available 85,000 metric tonnes of maize has been released on the open market by the Grain Traders Association of Zambia (GTAZ).

Millers Association of Zambia (MAZ) has indicated that the meetings it has been holding with GTAZ and Zambia National Framers Union (ZNFU) has started to yield positive results.

MAZ chairperson, Andrew Chintala, disclosed that over 30 percent of the declared 85,000 metric tonnes of maize has so far been released by the industry players.

According to Mr. Chintala, there has been an improved supply of maize on the open market following the meeting held by the key industry players meant to stabilise mealie meal prices.

“I must report that the dis- cussions we have been having are bearing fruits, we have seen some improvements in terms of supply of maize to some millers, so really that is improvement.

“Out of the 85, 000 metric tonnes that was declared by ZNFU and GTAZ, we should have done over 30 percent of that. Millers have drawn over 30 percent of the commodity,” he said.

When asked if the improved supply of maize will reduce mealie meal prices, Mr. Chintala in an interview said it may stabilise the prices.

Mr. Chintala explained that the available 85,000 metric tonnes of maize was not enough for Zambia which consumed 150,000 metric tonnes of the commodity and its by-products monthly.

“Our nation’s monthly consumption both stock feed and human consumption and what was declared and committed to be offloaded on the market by the two key players is only 85,000 metric tonnes which could be half of what we require,” he said.

Mr. Chintala has since called on other private players with the commodity to offload it and assist in stabilising the mealie meal prices.

He said there might be fluctuations in the mealie meal prices if other players in the industry do not release the maize on the market.

Mr. Chintala however said “we will continue engaging the stakeholders that is the only way that we will address the situation, so we are committed to dialogue and engage whenever there are issues to find solutions. We are interdependent so need to meet and resolve challenges whenever they occur.”