An agricultural expert has tipped government on how best it can ensure the estimated maize surplus of 1.1 million metric tonnes realizes more profit for the country.

Speaking to YFM- the expert Tamani Nkhono Mvula said exporting processed maize to increase its value chain could be more profitable than raw maize.

“Let us now start thinking of how we can process this maize to bring more money,” he explained.

Mvula also said that government needs to open its market early to avoid unscrupulous vendors that exploit on farmers.

“When ADMARC opens its market earlier there will be competition in pricing which will benefit the country’s farmers,” Mvula said.

The first round of crop estimation indicates that the country will produce over 4 million metric tonnes of maize, a development that has been attributed to good rains and availability of affordable farm inputs.