The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has purchased 588,354 metric tons of non-genetically modified Grade A white maize from the local market, during this year’s crop marketing season.
The purchased quantity is equivalent to 11,767,093 x 50 Kg bags of white maize.
FRA Public Relations Coordinator, John Chipandwe, says the cost of the purchased maize is over K4 billion, out of which over K3 billion has been paid out to maize suppliers representing a 73% achievement rate.
“The payment mode is based on first come first served basis and soon all farmers will be cleared,” said Mr. Chipandwe in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
And. Mr. Chipandwe said that in order to respond adequately to the current drought situation in the country, the agency has implemented various strategic methods of buying maize from the local market beyond the traditional mode of buying using satellite depots.
He said that the agency has also been buying from grain traders and engaging commercial farmers under the Early Maize Program.
Mr. Chipandwe said that the crop marketing season is still in progress, saying that farmers are encouraged to continue delivering maize to any depot and play their role in making Zambia food secure.
Angel Kasabo
