Zambia food secure up to March 2023 – Phiri

Minister of Agriculture Rueben Mtolo Phiri has reiterated that the country remains food secure up to March 2023 with the current total national stock position of maize grain standing at 1,509,455.03 metric tons.

Speaking when he received a report for the audit of maize stocks from the Food Reserved Agency (FRA) in Lusaka today, Mr Phiri says this stock position is as of 12th April, 2022.

He says the ministry will continue doing its best in ensuring food security in the country by putting in place appropriate measures that promote a balance between business and national food security.

Mr Phiri says the national food reserves have proved to be very useful in many ways including stabilising mealie meal prices caused by food supply imbalances in the country due to negative effects of climate change.

The Minister reiterates that government shall endeavour to continue supporting farmers and other stakeholders by providing market access through the agency and timely release of funds for their produce and provision of critical services.

Speaking earlier, Food Reserve Agency Chief Executive Officer Chola Kafwabulula says all farmers that supplied maize to the agency have been paid.

Mr Kafwabulula says the agency during the last season operated a total of 1, 258 satellite depots across the country.