Private sector importing maize- Minister Made

Agriculture, Mechanization and Irrigation Development Minister Joseph Made has said while the government continues to import maize for the nation, the private sector is also complementing the efforts by importing grain as well.

Speaking in parliament Made said he was assuring members of the house that indeed, government is continuing to import the maize that is due for importation so that we augment supplies, particularly for the rural areas.

"The private sector is also importing mainly as millers for the urban areas but I would also want to indicate that our farmers locally are also delivering to the Grain Marketing Board.  As we are talking, where we had not expected any grain at all due to the drought, farmers have already delivered, updating the figure that I reported on in the media," said Made.

 "We are now close to 35 thousand metric tonnes.  On top of that, Government is paying through Grain Marketing Board all the farmers that are delivering the maize.  So I want to assure the House that so far our programme is moving well."

He said in terms of delivering the food to the rural areas, there are some areas where we continue to have challenges in transportation but that matter is being address.