Government has extended the temporary ban on the exportation of grains including rice, maize and soya beans.

The ban is to last for an additional six months effective April 1, to September 30, 2022.

“On account of this directive, consequential action is being taken to ensure strict enforcement at all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDA's),” the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) said in a letter to the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development dated May 16, 2022.

MoFA further requested that the Local Government Ministry issue the required directives to MMDA's to take the necessary action with the involvement of the District Security Councils (DISECs) to disseminate information and intensify the monitoring of trucks carting grains from market centres to neighbouring countries.

“We urge that prompt action is taken at all times with the involvement of the security agencies to give full effect to the directive of His Excellency the President,” the letter concluded.

The extension of the temporary ban on grains comes amidst the food shortage crisis as a result of the Ukraine war and a poor harvest season in the country.