The Center for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) says agriculture in Zambia has failed to contribute to economic growth and job creation.
The center has also welcomed the decision by the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, to lift the ban on the exportation of mealie meal.
CTPD Executive Director Isaac Mwaipopo has told Money FM News that the agriculture sector has failed to help in growing the economy due to policy inconsistency.
“CTPD welcomes government’s lifting of the ban on mealie exports, this is long over-due and it has been impacting negatively on the growth of agriculture sector,” said Mr. Mwaipopo.
He said government has been encouraging the farmers to treat agriculture as a business but that some policy inconsistency is not helping them to grow their portfolios.
“We appeal to the new permanent secretary to work closely with key stakeholders in realizing the agriculture sectors potential to contribute towards economic growth, employment creation and poverty alleviation,” he said.
He said for Zambia to increase foreign direct investment, there is need to be consistent in terms of policy implementation saying this will also help both the farmers and grain traders.

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