Grain traders want maize export ban lifted

THE Grain Traders Association is in the process of engaging Government to lift the ban on maize export, its spokesperson, Mr Chambuleni Simwinga has said.

Mr Simwinga said there was need for the government to allow regulated export of maize to bring foreign exchange.

He said the association was meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture so that they could allow for export of maize and other grains.

Mr Simwinga said the country had this year recorded a bumper maize harvest and that allowing export of part of it through the quota system will not have any effect on the country's food security.

"The Ministry of Agriculture should allow export of maize through the quota exports system easily monitor how much is exported and reduce from the crop forecast," Mr Simwinga said.

He said it was important that Government looked at administrative management of export as opposed to completely banning of exports.

Meanwhile, former MMD national secretary Richard Kachingwe said calls for Government to lift the ban on export of maize and mealie meal are premature.

Maj Kachingwe said in as much as the country recorded a bumper harvest there is need to critically analyse the food situation in the country before exporting the grain.

Maj Kachingwe said some parts of the country were hit hard by drought and floods and these are depending on the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit for survival.

He said millers should instead buy enough maize from farmers to satisfy the local market before rushing to export to neighbouring countries.