GOVT BEGINS TALKS WITH KENYAN FIRM TO BUY 10.8 MILLION BAGS OF MAIZE
Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary, John Mulongoti, has confirmed that government has commenced negotiations with a Kenyan company, Baita Trading Limited, which intends to purchase 10.8 million 90-kilogram bags of maize from Zambia.
Mr. Mulongoti has disclosed that government is also engaging other countries that have expressed interest in purchasing maize from Zambia.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Mulongoti however said details on the progress of the negotiations remain with the Food Reserve Agency-FRA-which is leading the discussions.
He indicated that the ministry is awaiting a conclusive report from the FRA before government can disclose the exact quantity of maize that will eventually be exported.
And when reached for a comment, FRA Public Relations Coordinator, John Chipandwe, confirmed that the agency is yet to submit a report to the Ministry of Agriculture on the status of the negotiations but requested for a formal press query to the agency for further details.
The FRA currently holds a national maize stock of more than two million metric tonnes for the current marketing period, comprising newly purchased maize and carry-over stocks.
PN