Opposition Leadership Movement President, Richard Silumbe, has cautioned government against exporting maize in the upcoming marketing season before securing strategic reserves.
Dr. Silumbe says maize exports should only be allowed once the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) confirms that national food security has been guaranteed.
Speaking during his appearance on Radio Christian Voice’s Chatback program, under the topic “Homegrown Solutions for Economic Prosperity,” Dr. Silumbe stated that allowing private farmers to export maize, once FRA’s targets are met, would benefit local economies more than government-led exports.
“Once FRA has declared that strategic reserves have been achieved, government must allow farmers to export maize and earn profits from their produce,” said Dr. Silumbe.
He further urged government to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles that make it difficult for players in the agricultural sector to obtain export licenses.
Angel Kasabo
