The Zambian government on Tuesday announced a restriction on the export of maize and mealie meal (maize flour) due to a prolonged dry spell that could affect the harvest.
Minister of Agriculture Reuben Phiri said the restriction will only be lifted after a careful assessment of the next harvest.
“Owing to the prevailing situation, the government will continue to put the interest of the country above everything else. In this regard, it has restricted the export of maize grain and mealie meal,” the minister said.
He was delivering a ministerial statement in Parliament on the country’s food security situation following the dry spell.
Zambia is expected to have a poor harvest this year due to months of drought.