Zambia plans to import 650,000 tons white maize from Tanzania
Zambia plans to import 650,000 metric tons of white maize from Tanzania due to a severe production drop caused by drought, Information Minister Cornelius Mweetwa announced. Maize output for the 2023/2024 season is expected to plummet to 1.5 million tons from 3.2 million tons previously. Agriculture Minister Mtolo Phiri confirmed the suspension of maize exports and the need for imports to cover a deficit of 2.1 million tons.
USAKA, June 19 (Reuters) -Zambia plans to import 650,000 metric tons of white maize from Tanzania after drought cut production by more than50%, Information Minister Cornelius Mweetwa said on Wednesday.
Zambia’s maize production in the 2023/2024 crop season is expected to decrease to 1.5 million tons from 3.2 million tons the previous season, according to a crop forecasting survey.
“The government has reached an initial agreement with the Tanzanian government to import 650,000 tons of white maize,” Mweetwa said in a statement announcing cabinet decisions.
Agriculture Minister Mtolo Phiri said in Parliament on Tuesday the country suspended maize exports following a deficit of 2.1 million tons and would import the staple grain.
