Lifted ban applies only to mealie meal -Katambo

Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo has clarified that the government has only allowed the export of mealie meal and not maize as is being misinterpreted by some sections of society.

Mr. Katambo says his ministry has observed that some statements being given out on the lifting of the ban on mealie meal exports are a bit misleading to the public as they are insinuating that government has lifted the ban on maize export instead of mealie meal.

The minister says the country is food secure and has enough carryover stocks of maize which is why government has allowed for the export of mealie meal.

Mr. Katambo however, states that only 120,000 metric tonnes of mealie meal will be allowed to be exported, therefore urging farmers and millers to take advantage of the market window and close deals with importers in close border markets, particularly those from Congo DR.

He states that the lifting of the ban on mealie meal export will not affect the country’s food security regardless of the dry spell being experienced in some parts of the country.