Govt receives applications on lifting ban on maize export

STAKEHOLDERS have officially handed in their request for government to lift the ban on maize export , Agriculture minister, Michael Katambo has disclosed.

Maize traders and other stakeholders including some political parties have been calling on the government to lift the ban on the export of maize.

They are of the view that lifting the ban on maize export would curb the smuggling of the grain to neighboring countries and would help the country earn more foreign exchange to stabilize the kwacha.

Mr. Katambo said in an interview that the government had taken note of the concerns from key stakeholders in the sector and would soon make an informed decision on the matter.

The agriculture minister said the nation would soon be informed on the matter through a ministerial statement that he would be issuing before parliament this week on lifting the ban on maize export.

“We have taken note of those concerns, I will be issuing a ministerial statement before parliament, I will be able to inform the nation on Tuesday or Wednesday when I am told to issue a state on maize export,” he said.

The Golden Party of Zambia (GPZ) recently added its voice to calls for the government to lift the ban on maize exports by allowing the exportation of a certain threshold without threatening the local market.

Party President, Jacksspn Silavwe said in a statement that the government should not pay lip service to lifting the ban on the export of maize.

Mr. Silavwe urged the government to take decisive action to meet the regional demand for maize both on a short and long term basis.