Agriculture expert, Oliver Bulaya, has expressed concern over the inconsistent supply of empty grain bags by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to some satellite depots in various districts.
Recently, Kapiri Mposhi District Commissioner, Francis Hasalama, said the shortage of empty grain bags had slowed down maize purchases in the district.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today, Dr. Bulaya questioned how the agency could face such shortfalls despite having clear annual targets.
“FRA must prepare adequately to ensure all districts are supplied with enough empty bags to avoid further shortages,” said Dr. Bulaya.
Dr. Bulaya noted that farmers are forced to wait long hours to be attended to, adding unnecessary costs to their operations.
He warned that if the matter is not handled with the seriousness it deserves, some farmers may resort to selling their produce to briefcase buyers, posing a potential threat to national food security.
By Christabel Kamunu
