We'll export surplus maize - Kapita

We'll export surplus maize - Kapita
By Florence Bupe
Wednesday June 13, 2007 [04:00]

AGRICULTURE minister Ben Kapita has said Zambia will export surplus maize to other countries in the region that have recorded crop yield deficits. In an interview, Kapita said his ministry would not withhold any surplus maize as it could earn the country significant revenue.

Kapita was responding to calls by some Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) member states for Zambia to lift maize trade restrictions.

“It is true that there is need to open up trade borders to maize exports. However, we can only export what is surplus to deficit areas,” he said.

Kapita said the country was supposed to maintain adequate maize reserve stocks to avoid food insecurity.

“Whatever is above the national food requirement, we will allow for exports through commercial farmers, the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) and the Grain Association of Zambia as well as millers in form of mealie meal,” he said.

Kapita disclosed that this year, FRA would increase strategic reserve quantities from 150,000 metric tonnes in 2006 to 250,000 metric tonnes.

Last week, Food Security Research Project fellow Dr Jones Govereh called on the government to consider opening up trade borders further for maize exports in order to assist countries in the region that had crop deficits.

And Kapita has disclosed that the final figures of the country’s crop estimates would be availed soon.