CTPD BACKS KENYA ZAMBIA SUGAR MAIZE EXPORT DEAL

CTPD executive director Isaac Mwaipopo 

The Center for trade policy and development (CTPD) has backed governments  aggressive  approach taken to facilitate the smooth export of the maize and sugar commodities to Kenya.

Kenya has factored in a 20 percent reduction in its maize commodity  yields due to  erratic rainfall and  Army worms that had ravaged the countries maize fields.

The country's maize yields is this year projected to fall to 27 million bags down from 37 million bags harvested from last year's farming season.

The Zambian government, through the ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of finance has expedited the  export of 1.1 million bags of the surplus maize  commodity that the country is projected to have in this year's marketing season.

And CTPD executive director Isaac Mwaipopo says that beyond reaching out to Kenya, there is actually need for further strict measures to ensure that the commodity reaches Kenya in due course, due to the challenges  poised by its geographic position.

Mr. Mwaipopo further says government should engage countries like Tanzania, to facilitate the easy flow of the commodities into Kenya.