Maravi

(LUSAKATIMES) Govt directs FRA to off load maize on the market

Govt directs FRA to off load maize on the market
November 20, 2008

Government has with immediate effect directed the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to offload appropriate quantities of maize on the market to stabilize the high mealie-meal prices in the country. And government says Zambia has enough maize stocks to last up to February 2009.

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Brian Chituwo said this in his ministerial statement in Parliament , Thursday.

Dr. Chituwo said FRA will also facilitate the importation of another 100,000 metric tonnes of non-GMO maize into the country.

He said there was need for sensitize retailers to ensure food security at household levels and to discourage both small scale farmers and millers against hoarding the commodity at the expense of national development and security.

He stated that the rule of supply and demand is at play adding that the sky rocketing of the meali-meal prices is purely done by the producers and the millers.

The Minister said if need be, parliament has the powers to review the National Competition Commission ( NCC ) so that consumers are not exploited.

Dr. Chituwo said NCC’s role is that of advisory to government and to protect the consumers.

ZANIS/KC/ENDS/MM

Labels: BRIAN CHITUWO, FRA, INFLATION, MAIZE, MEALIE-MEAL

posted by MrK @ 9:59 AM