World Bank country director for Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe, Kundhavi Kadiresan criticized the decision and claimed that poor Zambian farmers were being exploited as some traders were buying maize from them in anticipation of re-selling it at a higher price to the state-run Food Reserve Agency. 
Mkurugenzi wa Benki ya Dunia kwa nchi za Zambia, Malawi na Zimbabwe, Bw. Kundhavi Kadiresan aliukosoa uamuzi huo na kudai kwamba wakulima masikini wa Zambia wananyonywa kwa sababu baadhi ya wafanyabiashara walikuwa wananunua mahindi kutoka kwa wakulima hao kwa ajili ya kuliuzia Shirika linaloendeshwa na serikali liitwalo Hifadhi ya Chakula kwa bei ya juu.