A local rice company says Rice Farming is a good business because of the available market both locally and internationally.
Mwanangwa Rice Company Managing Director Yotam Mtayachalo tells Money FM News via telephone that the only challenge that local rice farmers are facing is having cheaper imported rice which is making it difficult for them to prosper in their businesses.
Mr. Mtayachalo says production costs in the country is high and that is why local consumers prefer to buy imported rice which is highly subsidized from their countries of origin.
“On the Zambian market, we have rice from countries such as Thailand, Pakistan and Taiwan among other countries that is cheaper. Unfortunately people are buying imported rice which is cheaper despite us having tasty rice that is produced locally,” he said.
He says the government should ensure that the playing field is leveled as this will promote rice farming in the country.
“Rice farming is restricted to areas such as Zambezi, Mongu, Chama, Kaputa and a few districts. What we need to do is to promote this farming activity because of its potential to help grow the economy,” he said.
Mr. Mtayachalo says rice growing is a good business because of high market not only in Zambia but neighboring countries that may need the commodity.