ZACA reaffirms calls for government to stop maize exports

• This increase of maize is a warning to Government that the cost of production has gone up.
• Millers have increased Mealie meal prices to meet their operational costs.
• Government should focus on satisfying the local market before exporting.

Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) has reaffirmed calls for government to halt maize exports and secure stocks in order to stabilize Mealie-meal prices on the local market.
Speaking to Money FM News, Association Executive Secretary Juba Sakala said the increase in Mealie-meal prices is an indication that the cost of production has gone up and maize stocks are running low.
Mr. Sakala also advised government to give incentives to Millers so as to cushion the cost of production, which will result in reduced Mealie- meal prices.
“This increase of maize is a warning to Government that the cost of production has gone up so these people have increased to meet their operational costs. This is also a sign that the maize stocks are running low, with these two signs coming up, it’s important that Government stops the export immediately and secures the stocks to stabilize the price because we might reach a point where prices of maize meal will be K200 plus soon.”
“And also let Government try to give incentives to Millers to cushion the cost of production. When exports are stopped and Millers are given incentives, then the prices of maize and its products will stabilize,” Mr. Sakala said.
He stated that government should focus on satisfying the local market before exporting the commodity.
According to Millers Association of Zambia (MAZ) President Andrew Chintala, Mealie-meal prices have been hiked by between K4 and K5, while some brands have tripled the amount in view of high cost of production exacerbated by increase in fuel prices.

More From Author

World Bank urges Zambia to capture other benefits beyond mining sector

• World Bank is committed to supporting African countries to translate Africa’s mineral wealth into…

Read More

Kwacha gains should benefit consumers – BuyZed

• This is to ensure that consumers begin to enjoy what is produced locally.• Manufactures…

Read More

SEC attributes decline in Q4 bond trades to delayed debt restructuring process

• One of the challenges is to do with the delays in finalizing the debt…

Read More

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

World Bank urges Zambia to capture other benefits beyond mining sector

• World Bank is committed to supporting African countries to translate Africa’s mineral wealth into…

Read More

Kwacha gains should benefit consumers – BuyZed

• This is to ensure that consumers begin to enjoy what is produced locally.• Manufactures…

Read More

Authorities destroy sub-standard products worth about K900,000

• The products include clear beer, biscuits, peanut butter, edible oil, mealie and meal among…

Read More