ZNFU Brand FRA Maize Prices Absurd

The ZNFU has branded the recently announced K65 per 50kg market price offered by the FRA as absurd and horrendously low.

The President of the ZNFU has called for untampered functioning of market conditions and open borders.

“We urge government to maintain consistency in the export of agriculture commodities as the food balance sheet figures declared that a surplus of 341, 313 MT could potentially be exported,” Mr Zimba said in a statement.

“On Friday 13th July 2018 the ZNFU Board led by the ZNFU president Mr. Jervis Zimba held a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture Honourable Michael Katambo and officials at the Ministry, including the Permanent Secretary Mr. Julius Shawa. The Union provided the production costs for various agriculture commodities, including maize and soya beans to sensitize Government on costs that farmers incur in producing the maize.”

“At no time was the setting of MAIZE PRICES discussed and the Minister had just issued a statement in Parliament that Government is not involved in the setting of maize prices,” he added.

Mr Zimba said a formal complaint will be launched with Government because the Union stands ready to dialogue with Government if called upon to do so but not engaging in spin media tactics.