By 
Kitwe-based business consultant, Augustine Mubanga, has called for the establishment of a dedicated crop export agency to spearhead the export of agricultural commodities as Zambia seeks to expand maize production.
Speaking in an interview with Zambia Monitor on Wednesday, Mubanga said a special purpose vehicle should be created to facilitate the export of crops and unlock access to regional and international markets.
“There is need to come up with a crop export agency to spearhead the export of agricultural products like maize as the country looks to expand maize production to an all-time high of 10 million tonnes by 2030,” he said.
Mubanga said the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) should concentrate on maintaining the country’s strategic food reserves, while the proposed export agency should take responsibility for crop marketing and exports.
He argued that small-scale farmers were largely excluded from export markets because of bureaucratic export permit requirements and the high cost of transporting produce to foreign markets.
According to Mubanga, establishing a dedicated export agency would help build a more resilient agriculture-based economy by creating reliable market opportunities for farmers.
He proposed that the FRA should continue purchasing crops from farmers supported under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) for strategic reserves, while farmers who finance their own production should be allowed to sell directly to the proposed export agency at export parity prices.
Mubanga said such an arrangement would strengthen commercial agriculture and encourage farmers to treat farming as a business.
Read more: Catholic church raises concern over delayed FRA payments to farmers in Eastern Province
Mahombe said although the union supported the FRA’s decision to buy only maize with a moisture content of 12.5 percent or below to maintain grain quality, the buying price should have been announced alongside the quality requirements.
He said the FRA’s purchase price was an important benchmark that influenced grain trading across the country, adding that delays created uncertainty for farmers and the wider market.
The union had called on the FRA to immediately announce buying prices for maize and paddy rice, publish a clear timetable for crop purchases and payments, and strengthen engagement with farmer organisations.
Mahombe said timely market support was essential following what he described as a successful farming season.
“The farming community delivered a national success this season. It is imperative that policy implementation and market support follow promptly to preserve that achievement and safeguard rural communities and future bumper harvests,” he said.
ZNFU also welcomed FRA’s planned introduction of digital payments through bank accounts and mobile money platforms but maintained that prompt price announcements were necessary to help farmers make informed decisions on the marketing, storage and transportation of their produce.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments