GOVT WINS KUDOS OVER IMPORTATION OF MAIZE

By NOEL IYOMBWA

A CHITAMBO-based farmer has welcomed the move by the Government to import over 600,000 metric tonnes of maize to cushion the grain deficit.

In a telephone interview David Lwenje, who is also the proprietor of Mwaona farm Agro, said the maize deficit recorded this farming season was an-eye opener for both farmers and the Government.

Mr. Lwenje said it was essential for both stakeholders to prepare in advance amid the effects of climate change.

“We needed to take care of our stock we had stock but sold it to our neighbouring countries so this is just an eye opener to both the Government, farmers and other agriculture stakeholders. We don’t know how long the drought will persist. Just imagine if in the next three years we do not have rains, we will be in a mess,” Mr. Lwenje warned.

He further urged the Government to step efforts in actualising the growth of winter maize.

According to him, the process is not clear on how smallholder farmers who are willing to take part can participate in winter maize cultivation could be assisted hence the need for the Government to clearly explain to smallholder farmers about the program.

He has also called on farmers in Chitambo to diversify into other crops such as growing cassava saying soon, the Chitambo milling plant will be operational to enable farmers in the area to take their produce for processing in order to contribute to the country’s food security.

The Ministry of Agriculture has announced that the country has recorded a total net deficit of 2,107,745 metric tonnes of maize equivalent and to mitigate the deficit, the Government is facilitating for the importation of more than 600,000 metric tonnes of white non GMO maize to provide relief and support to drought affected households.

This will enable the Food Reserve Agency to enhance community maize sales to create easy access of the staple crop to affected households. The government is also encouraging and facilitating maize and other food imports by the private sector to cover the deficit.