GOVT UNAWARE OF THE 400, 000 METRIC TONS OF MAIZE TO BE EXPORTED TO ZIMBABWE

By Seniya Banda Government says it has not yet received any request from Zimbabwe over its intention to import about 400, 000 metric tons of maize from Zambia.The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe recently announced that it intends to import 400,000 tons of white maize from Zambia and Malawi.This announcement however caused uproar among stakeholders especially that Zambia recorded a reduction in maize production of about 25% during the 2021/22 farming season.But Agriculture Minister Mtolo Phiri told Millennium radio in an interview that no official communication has been made on government to government basis therefore the ministry is not aware of such intentions.Mr Phiri however stated that, if the maize export is done using the private sector agreements, government will closely monitor the situation.He says this will be done in order to ensure that the country is not affected when it comes to food security.