Chief Chooma questions importation of maize

CHIEF Chooma of the Tonga in Choma has questioned the logic of importing maize when the country has enough stock.

In an exclusive interview, Chief Chooma observed that the country had enough maize stock from last year’s harvest hence wonders the reason to import.

The traditional leader called on government should explain the logic of importing so that people understand.

According to Chief Chooma, Congo DR is the country which is supposed to import from South Africa as it has shortages of the commodity.

He however said as a traditional leader, he is not trying to criticise Government over the matter but giving advice, adding that his role is to work with the government of the day.

Chief Chooma also advised the government to ensure that it always distribute enough farming inputs and on time so that people can grow more food.

He observed that the country’s population is growing hence the need to have more and enough food to meet the high demand.

He also implored the government to quickly control the smuggling of maize to Congo and senistise smugglers on the dangers of smuggling the staple food.

“We are one nation, so government should ensure that it divides maize distribution equally and properly.

“Government should also ensure that it distributes fertiliser on time so that people grow more food because the population has increased.

“The smuggling and export of maize and mealie meal should be controledl. We had enough maize last year so no one should go hungry. Where is our maize going to go if we import? We had enough maize so no one should go hungry. Unless we completely run out of stock that is when we can import,” Chief Chooma said.

He expressed concern that the country will not enough maize this year.