The Food Reserve Agency, FRA, has released One billion kwacha towards payment for maize bought bought from farmers in Katete district.
Katete district Food Reserve Agency, FRA, Manager Patson Mwale confirmed the release of the funds to ZANIS today.
Mr Mwale said the money was received last week on Friday and farmers were expected
to start receiving their payments today.
Mr Mwale, however, said FRA will still owe farmers about K3.6 billion after
exhausting the one billion kwacha.
He said so far the agency has purchased over 170, 000 bags of maize and is remaining
with about 64,000 bags before it can reach its target of 236, 000 bags of maize in
the district.
He, however, observed that the target may not be reached due to the reduction in the
inflow of maize in the district.
He further, observed that farmers were now selling maize which is supposed to be for
their domestic consumption, a situation he said, could create hunger in the area
immediately after the maize purchasing exercise is concluded.
He said there was need for concerted efforts from government and other stakeholders
to sensitize farmers on the need to leave enough grain for domestic consumption.
Last week Katete farmers Association Chairman, Elemiya Phiri, complained that the
delay by FRA to pay farmers will affect next year’s crop yield because farmers will
not be able to purchase farming inputs on time.
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