SECOND REPUBLIC SESSION II (2023)

TWELFTH POST-CABINET PRESS BRIEFING

12TH DECEMBER, 2023

1.0 UPDATE ON MAIZE AND TOBACCO MARKETING

Cabinet received an Update on Maize and Tobacco Marketing, which was presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Hon. Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka.

The nation is informed that as at 10 December, 2023, the Grain Marketing Board had in stock a total of 235 095 metric tonnes of grain, comprising 188 353 metric tonnes of maize and 46 742 metric tonnes of traditional grains. At the prevailing monthly consumption rate of 23 000 metric tonnes per month, the available grain will last 10.2 months.

Regarding wheat, the country's current stocks stand at 242 508 metric tonnes, which are sufficient to provide 11.5 months cover at a monthly drawdown rate of 21 000 metric tonnes.