Ban on export of maize has messed up business – GTAZ

The Grain Traders Association of Zambia (GTAZ) says the decision by government to ban the export of maize and maize products has messed up the business of grain traders in the Country.

GTAZ Executive Director Chambuleni Simwinga says a good number of grain traders have actually stopped buying the grain from the market.

Mr. Simwinga says this is because they cannot sell the grain anywhere in view of the ban on the export of maize and maize products by the government.

In an interview with QTV News by telephone, Mr. Simwinga says this also explains why the price of maize has begun to drop in the Country.

Mr. Simwinga however, states that GTAZ does not think that the Country should have such a situation where government is failing to be consistent in sustaining an open border policy.

He says his association finds it very annoying that government has continued to backpedal on its own pronouncement to maintain an open border policy for the export of maize.

Mr. Simwinga says the association is wondering why government can impose a ban on maize export when the Country has excess maize and mealie meal.

He says the imposition of this ban was an unnecessary act of excitement by technocrats in government who think the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) may not meet its strategic reserve buying target.