Grain Traders expecting a standard price for maize this year

Chambuleni Simwinga

The Grain Traders Association of Zambia (GTAZ) says it expects the standard price for maize in this year’s crop marketing season to be above K60 per 50Kg bag.

Executive Director Chambuleni Simwinga says this year it will be demand chasing supply of the grain.

Mr. Simwinga states that this means that despite the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) being the pace setter, the price for the maize grain in Zambia will be higher than last year’s price.

In an interview with QTV News Mr. Simwinga notes that grain traders are thus confident and currently waiting for the prices to be announced.

Mr. Simwinga however notes that given the fact that there has been some rains around, there is an element of wastage expected.

He has cautioned that the Ministry of Agriculture with the extension service officers have the responsibility to deal with the issue of managing the waste.

Mr. Simwinga says if the waste is not manage the Country may get less 2 million tones of the maize grain harvest.