Tue, 08 Aug 2017 14:16:47 +0000
Dear Editor,
Some decades ago, we were in a controlled economy whereby prices of essential commodities were fixed.
Shortages and endless queues were the order of the day. Now it’s a free market economy in which demand and supply determine prices.
And the economy is growing, thanks to good Government policy which is promoting private sector participation.
In view of this, it’s difficult to understand why some people are asking our Republican President, , Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu to intervene in the maize price.
Our farmers should look beyond our borders because Government has allowed maize exports.
To reduce on cost, let our farmers make use of our railway systems: Zambia Railways and TAZARA.
East Africa and DR Congo are waiting for our non- GMO maize. Let our farmers make hay while the sun shines.
Meanwhile, asking FRA to buy more than the planned 500,000mt strategic reserve is expecting too much from Government which is currently subsidising production by spending a lot on e-voucher cards.
To expect the Government to continue to subsidise consumption is retrogressive in a liberalized economy.
Francis Kalipenta
Serenje.
