Nation to import SA maize

The Malawi government is to import up to 180,000 mt of maize from South Africa, the country’s President Bakili Muluzi said last week at a political rally. A number of districts had poor maize harvest due to floods in some parts and prolonged dry spells in others. “I have sent a delegation to South Africa to facilitate importation of maize,” said Muluzi.

In recent years business truck owners have been smuggling maize to neighbouring countries for higher prices even though there was food shortages. The police have been instructed to mount checks at border posts for any smugglers of the staple food, he said.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Agriculture Department has confirmed that if necessary, it would assist Zimbabwe with supplies of maize and wheat. SABC radio news reported that in a written reply to a question in the National Assembly, Agriculture and Land Affairs Minister Thoko Didiza said her department had been informed of expected food shortages in Zimbabwe. Didiza said South Africa would have 9,000 mt of maize ready to be exported to Zimbabwe and the country may be able to export 54,000 tons of wheat besides its normal export commitments.