The government has secured 5 billion Kwacha to pay farmers across the country who supplied maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA).
Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo says the ministry will begin payments in the coming days, with two billion Kwacha already available from ZANACO and an additional 1 billion Kwacha soon to be released.
He said this in response to Zambia National Farmers Union- ZNFU- outgoing President Jervis Zimba , who expressed concern over the delayed payments to farmers who supplied maize to the Food Reserve Agency.
Mr Mtolo emphasized that the government remains committed to settling all outstanding payments to farmers.
Speaking during the ZNFU 119th annual congress, Mr Mtolo noted that Government will not increase the Farmers Input Support Programe but will instead enhance the Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility -SAFF- as it is sustainable.
And Mr. Zimba has urged the Government to expedite the actualisation of the irrigation fund, noting that it will enhance productivity through irrigation farming.
He further urged the Government to formulate a Statutory Instrument (SI) to regulate early maize production so that it can be exported.
And Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata commended the farmers for their hard work in the 2024/2025 farming season saying due to their input the country secured a bumper harvest .
Speaking at the same event, United Capital Fertiliser Board Chairperson Chance Kabaghe said the company will continue to empower farmers through providing affordable and quality fertiliser.
Meanwhile ZNFU has elected a new executive which will be led by Zvhikonyo Mahombe who takes over from Mr. Zimba.
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