The treasury has released K657 million to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) for the 2021 crop marketing programme.
Secretary to the Treasury, Fredson Yamba, said this development follows the announcement of the 2021 FRA grain prices, under the principle of willing seller and willing buyer.
Mr. Yamba said in a statement issued by Ministry of Finance Public Relations Officer Chileshe Kandeta today that the funds will facilitate the smooth implementation of the crop marketing programme.
He disclosed that the money has been released in three portions.
“We have released K657 million to FRA in three tranches of which K157 million was given to them last week, K400 million yesterday and K100 million today,” Mr. Yamba said.
He said of the released funds, K500 million is ring-fenced for grain purchases.
And Mr. Yamba has commended Zambian farmers for their resounding grain production performance in the 2020/2021 farming season.
He said the importance of food security in the country’s economy cannot be emphasized.
Mr. Yamba said there was need to ensure that the country remains on a progressive path.
And not one single Kwacha will end up in the pocket of a rural farmers. Criminal PF cadres will buy new cars…..
This is a drop in the Ocean. 5 million Kwacha can only buy 167,000 tons. We have produced in excess of 3, 000, 000 tons I believe. Get more money from lenders outside at a lower interest rate and buy more maize. FRA should ran like a business. They handle cash crops, why giving them grants?
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500 million Kwacha can only buy 167,000 tons
This is the great step taken by the government ahead of bumper harvest. It will only give the needed support to farmers of the country.
President Lungu stressed that for the economy to improve, the agricultural sector needs to be transformed. He introduced new reforms and legislation so that the farmers would not face challenges, such as delivery of farming inputs ahead of onset of season, alternative livelihood options to areas affected by climate change, investing in educating and training farmers.
The President has invested in the agricultural sector by introducing the appropriate reforms and legislation to create a conducive environment. He has also, by diversifying, reduced the country`s dependency on mining to bring in the foreign currency. The positive development that the country has observed in the recent past has been encouraging.
Recently, global experts predicted that the number of wealthy people in Zambia will go up in next five years. Agriculture sector will be crucial in achieving this, it has potential to turn around the economy and create job and business opportunities. This is the indication that the policies formed by the PF government are showing desire results.
This will help the farmers to a lot. It is a much needed support by government in the times of pandemic and when the global economy is showing slowdown.
This is yet another example of visionary leadership. Anticipating financial constraints in the market and subsequent problems for farmers, the government has taken the right step!
For a true leader, no challenge is too big. He knows how to overcome it and help the country. President Edgar Lungu has done exactly the same and at right time.
There is a lot of fake news on elections. ECZ has advised media against publishing unverified information, the 2021 General Election will go ahead as planned. So don’t worry people, democracy is in safe hands.
Zambia currently exports blueberries and honey. Farmers should concentrate on horticulture and vegetables apart from cash crops like cashew, maize and cassava. Fruits can open export avenues for our farmers.
Please distribute before August 12. Bane empowerment is on the way!
When elections are near even money to pay farmers through FRA is sourced in advance.