Scrap agro export checks, State told

By MAILESI BANDA GOVERNMENT should remove export restrictions as they are limiting growth in the agriculture sector, Zambia National Farmers Union former executive director, Sogowayo Zyambo has advised.

Mr Zyambo said to promote growth in the agriculture sector, Government needed to improve the marketing of agriculture inputs and produce.

Commenting on the 2018 national budget in relation to the agriculture sector, Mr Zyambo noted that it was encouraging that the upgrading of road infrastructure, including feeder roads, was given priority.

"It is encouraging to note that in the 2018 budget, Government will continue with the thrust of upgrading road infrastructure including feeder roads in rural areas, which will improve the marketing of agriculture inputs and produce," Mr. Zyambo said.

He also said Government efforts should be supported by consensus between farmers, agro processors and the government to remove export restrictions that are limiting growth in agriculture.

Government last year imposed a ban on the export of maize and mealie-meal and earlier this year on the export of fruits and vegetables a decision that was later reversed.

In his address to Parliament last Friday, the Minister of Finance, Mr Felix Mutati pledged Government’s commitment to facilitate access to local and foreign markets for the agriculture sector.

Mr. Mutati said this would be done through initiatives like the export of one million goats per annum to the Middle East to address the rising market potential for livestock especially in goats and sheep which was initiated by Government.