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Zambia will need to import maize to cover the deficit recorded due to drought. However, the government has been criticized for its policy where it had embarked on exporting strategic reserves even before they had confirmed the success of the new crop for replenishment.
Minister of Finance Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane has suspended duty on Maize imports into Zambia. This has become effective from 31 May 2024 to next year 30 June 2025. The crop harvest forecast survey revealed that Zambia’s annual maize production has dropped from about 3.3 million tons in 2023 to about 1.5 million tons in the 2024 harvest.
Zambia will need to import maize to cover the deficit recorded due to drought. However, the government has been criticized for its policy where it had embarked on exporting strategic reserves even before they had confirmed the success of the new crop for replenishment.
Maize or Corn remains Zambia’s staple food and is considered a political crop due to its widespread consumption across the country. The price of mealie meal (ground maize) used as a carbohydrate component of the main meals for most households has also steeply increased, raising concerns about family sustainability.
Read Also;
https://trendsnafrica.com/zambia-faces-maize-shortages/
https://trendsnafrica.com/zambia-imposes-restrictions-on-maize-and-maize-flour-exports/
Zambia requires an excess of 3.4 million tons of maize per annum to cover both human and livestock feed production needs. Soya, the other important crop for livestock feed production has also recorded a slump in production.
