Government has attributed the shortage of mealie-meal in some parts of the country to the high export demand in the region.
Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo Phiri says some neighbouring countries are faced with hunger thus overwhelming the Zambian market.
Mr. Phiri says government will not stop the export of mealie meal but engage the Ministry of Defence to monitor the export of the commodity through legitimate means.
He adds that government through the Food Reserve Agency has restricted the sale of maize to millers only and not farmers to maintain stable mealie meal prices not exceeding K150, 000.
He notes that government will closely monitor the market and urges millers to manage the floor prices of mealie-meal in relation to the cost incurred in the production.
He has warned that government will stop supply of maize to millers who will defy the directive.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani