The Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) says the recent bans in the export of maize lacked transparency.
CTPD Executive Director -Isabel Mukelabai has however commended the government’s decision to lift the export ban on maize on the back of this years predicted bumper maize harvest.
“The lifting of the export ban on maize should be encourage as it will help expand trade in the agriculture sector.
The country’s exporters are not given sufficient warnings on the conditions under which such bans will be used as they affect and deters investment and thus inhibits growth in the sector.”
She further observed that zambia has great potential to become a food basket within the region and therefore attention must be paid to ensure that the potential can be unlocked by encouraging private sector participation not just in crop production but in the entire agriculture value chain.
Ms Mukelabai said this in a statement released to the press yesterday.
The amazing PF continue to amaze! I agreed with the Govt position to control (ban) the maize export if the nation is under threat of severe food shortage. However, this suggested lifting of the ban before our reserves are over flowing appears a little premature for my liking. What security does Govt have that we have the logistics to stock any harvest arising from this surplus. It is better to plan for what is in your pocket and not waht you have been promised to get.