By PRISCA LUMINGU in Choma
THE Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has paid out K1 billion to farmers that have delivered over 223,000 metric tonnes of Grade A white maize during this year’s on-going crop-marketing season.
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FRA public relations coordinator John Chipandwe said the 223,000 metric tonnes is equivalent to 4, 500 000 by 50 bags of white maize.
“FRA as at 8th August 2023 paid out a total of K1 billion to farmers that delivered their grade A white maize to various depot’s countrywide. The K1 billion is as a result of farmers delivering a total of 223, 000 metric tonnes of maize,” Mr Chipandwe said.
He said the stock bought so far by the Agency is from the 1,301 satellite depots that are currently operational.
Mr Chipandwe has also urged the farmers to continue delivering white maize to FRA for the country’s national strategic food reserves.
He said this would ensure continued national food security in the country as the agency tries to meet the one million target.
“As Food Reserve Agency we continue appealing to farmers to deliver theory crops to the nearest FRA depots and we will receive it and stole it for the national food reserve,” he said.
Mr Chipandwe said funds are available and the Agency was paying promptly once crops are delivered.
He said farmers were being paid within two to three days once they deliver the crops.
“Payments are made within the shortest period since funds are available. This is the benefit of supplying the maize to the agency, farmers are being paid on time” Mr. Chipandwe said.
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