Thu, 22 Jun 2017 10:50:43 +0000
By SIMON MUNTEMBA
GOVERNMENT has embarked on construction of new sheds to accommodate and secure all the maize stocks in Sinda district, Sinda District Commissioner (DC) Paradious Sakala has disclosed.
Speaking during official launch of the 2017 marketing season in Sinda district yesterday, Mr Sakala also warned against fraudulent activities in the buying and selling of maize.
He told the Sinda residents that his office was making every effort through the provincial administration to have the depots increased from 8 to 17 taking into account the bumper harvest being experienced in the district.
The DC also advised farmers to clean the crop before delivery and ensure it meets the standard prescribed by FRA to facilitate quick service at the depots and avoid crop rejection on accounts of bad quality.
He said when maize is delivered to the depot, some inspection and screen would be done using sieves that will be provided.
Mr Sakala announced that the marketing season opened on June 1, 2017 and it is expected to close on October 31, 2017.
He disclosed that this year government was targeting to buy 9600 MT of maize in the district at which it should be bought with less conflicts.
And Mr Sakala said government was committed to sort out the worries of the farmers who have been exploited by briefcase buyers of white maize grain.
“In accordance with the Food Reserve Act (1995), government has the responsibility to purchase agricultural crops from small holder farmers who are located in economically disadvantaged areas in the country.
“As we all might have heard government intends to purchase 500,000 metric tonnes white maize and 2,100 metric tonnes of paddy rice this year.
“Looking at the abundant maize in the district, this means we need to turn to the private buyers. It`s at this point that i would like to commend the private sector who are responding to the government`s call to buy maize on their own other than depending on food reserve agency to sell them maize,” he said.
The DC, however, urged the private buyers to be considerate by buying better or at the FRA floor price.
