Small scale farmers in Eastern Province have questioned government’s reason for not commencing the purchase of maize as announced and called on it to be mindful of their plight and commence purchasing maize.
Speaking in separate interviews small scale farmers in Sinda and Katete said government was not being sincere with farmers when it says there is high moisture content in the maize because last farming season did not record extreme weather patterns which would justify their claims.
The Farmers said it was unfair for government to announce that they are commencing the crop marketing season only to come up with some reason that has prolonged the commencement of the marketing season.
“We have come from different Villages to sale our produce but the FRA are telling us that our maize still has high moisture content; that is a lie because this is July we always sale our crop in May and June why should it be in August or September now?” Questioned one of the small scale farmers John Mwanza; from one of the villages in Chief Kawaza’s chiefdom in Katete.
The farmers complained that they have been spending nights in the cold since 28th June as they had expected to sale their produce on the first of July as announced by government and are now at risk of being attacked by Hyenas and other wild animals.
The Farmers further said government should realize that the farmers put in time, resources as well as their efforts to produce the maize hence government should show some seriousness when dealing with them.
Some farmers in the district have been waiting to have their maize purchased for over three weeks while spending nights outside as they wait for their produce at satellite depots.
just sale it to DRC… they will buy it big or just chew it all up.