October 15, 2014

Zambia to export excess corn after bumper harvest

Zambia has decided to export excess corn of over 500,000 tonnes after a bumper harvest last season.

The country's farmers produced over 3.3 million tonnes this year, helped by subsidised fertilizer and seeds. The national requirement is only 2.8 million tonnes.

Agriculture and co-operatives minister Wylbur Simuusa said the decision to export corn despite ongoing debates was made because "we grow enough food to satisfy local needs and the ban on exports is not helping us as a country."

The World Bank and the World Food Programme (WFP) have acknowledged the economic potential and contribution of Zambia's agricultural sector.

About 93% of the total corn output in Zambia is produced by small-scale farmers who benefited from the government's subsidies, Simuusa said.

He said agriculture now contributes 9.9% of the country's GDP while mining contributes 13%.

Corn is Zambia's staple food, accounting for 75% of the crops the country grows.