The Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) has commended the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) for entering the crop market early as compared to previous seasons.
The FRA recently announced that they will be buying white Non GMO maize at K330 per 50kg.
ZNFU Manager Communication, Media and Public Relations Services Elias Banda has told RCV news in a statement that the opportunity provides the farmers with an alternative buyer for their maize.
Mr. Banda said President Hakainde Hichilema’s declaration of the drought caused by El Nino as a national disaster has threatened Zambia’s food security.
“FRA has since invited farmers with white GMO-free maize to deliver this maize to their nearest FRA depot”, said Mr. Banda.
Mr. Banda said ZNFU is aware that private buyers in the districts are currently buying GMO-free maize above K350-K400 per 50 Kg bag.
He also disclosed that the spot price in neighbouring countries for non-GMO maize is in the range of US$ 300 to US$570 per tonne, compared to the $264 being offered by FRA.
Mr. Banda said FRA has “missed a penalty” on pricing and are unlikely to compete favorably in the market.
By Bibiana Lambart
