Zambian maize producers are facing a tumultuous crop marketing season. This after government this week announced that it will not set the floor price for maize. Zambian Agriculture Minister Dora Siliya said government will offer its price through the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) while other buyers are free to set…
The consumer advocacy group Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS) has welcomed government’s decision to leave maize prices to market forces. The group also asked for a policy instrument in the form of a price band to avoid market distortions when government went beyond buying strategic grain reserves. “The decision…
After weeks of silence, Zambian Agriculture Minister Dora Siliya has announced that government will not set the floor price for maize. The minister said the decision is consistent with government’s position to allow farmers to charge what they believe their crop is worth. “What will happen is that government, like…
Government’s silence on the floor price of maize has created turmoil among farmers. The marketing season opens tomorrow. Government also maintains that the 10% export duty for raw maize will not be waived. Random interviews conducted by Africanfarming.com showed that farmers are still relying on the Food Reserve Agency (FRA)…