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Zambia seizes 20,000 bags of maize

Xinhua, July 15, 2016 Adjust font size:

Authorities in Zambia said on Thursday that they have seized more than 20,000 bags of maize meant for illegal exports to neighboring countries.

A Task Force established to curb the illegal export of maize and maize products said the maize was seized from various parts of the country and was destined to neighboring countries.

Steady Mwale, chairperson of the Task Force told reporters in Lusaka, the country's capital during a press briefing that 20 trucks used to transport the maize were intercepted and belonged to Zambians although they bore foreign number plates.

Zambia has witnessed an increase in illegal export of maize and maize products to neighboring countries due to a shortage of the commodity as a result of drought in southern Africa.

Authorities have expressed concern that the illegal export of maize has continued despite the government putting in place measures to curb the vice.

The government has, among other measures deployed security agencies in border areas to curb the illegal export of maize.

Zambia is among the few countries with excess maize in southern Africa. The country has produced 2.8 million tons of maize in the just ended agricultural season. Endit