Maize production falls by 30 percent

Zambia's maize production fell by nearly 30 percent in 1998, 'The Post' reported on Friday. It quoted National Farmers Union (ZNFU) President Ajay Vashee as saying the agricultural sector registered declines in production of major crops in 1998. He said a general decline in consumers' purchasing power had also affected farmers as they were failing to sell their produce. Vashee said the agricultural sectors' unsatisfactory performance in 1998 was partly due to late delivery of inputs and credit to farmers and the increased costs of production in relation to high electricity tariffs and fuel prices.