Accra, June 17, GNA - The Ministry of Food and Agriculture on Friday advised the public not to panic because of the current shortage of maize, saying 600,000 tonnes of maize has been imported to address the shortfall.

Additionally, 70,000 bags of yellow maize has been imported for sale to individual poultry farmers and associations in the Greater Accra, Western, Ashanti, Brong Ahafo and the Eastern Regions. The statement by the Ministry said additional imports were expected for both human and animal consumption. It explained that having realised earlier in the year that the prevailing weather conditions could result in maize shortage, the Ministry encouraged interested companies to import both yellow and white maize to supplement the local production at an arranged price of 150,000 cedis per bag of 50 kilograms.

The statement said some companies, including Aqua Farms responded positively. It commended companies that responded promptly to save the nation and assured them of the Ministry's collaboration.