Mazabuka, 18 November,2007 ZANIS….The Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) in Mazabuka says it is disappointed with the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) for holding on to the payment of Maize supplied to the agency by some farmers in the district during the last maize marketing period.
ZNFU Agri-business manager, Clement Phiri told ZANIS in Mazabuka today that FRA owes the farmers K 2.5 billion for the 67,000 by 50 kilogramme bags they supplied.
Mr Phiri said it is sad to note that despite the protest by farmers, FRA has failed to source for funds to pay the affected farmers whom he said badly needed the money to pay for subsidised fertiliser under the government sponsored fertiliser support programme.
He said it is wrong for FRA to engage in hide and seek games adding that the agency should explain its inadequacy rather than giving farmers promisory notes.
Efforts by ZANIS to get a comment from the local FRA officials and district commissioner, Misheck Chiinda proved futile.
Don’t worry. They will be paid before By or main election which ever one comes first. There is always money during that time.