SAFADA cries for small scale farmers

The Small Scale Farmers Development Agency (SAFADA) is saddened by the plight of farmers in Eastern province who have failed to yield profit from maize sales due to unfair trade conditions.

SAFADA Executive Director, Boyd Moobwe says small scale farmers in Eastern province have resorted to selling the commodity to briefcase buyers at very a cheap price due to lack of a clear maize floor price.

Mr. Moobwe says a 50kg bag of maize is currently being sold at as low as K34.00 due to unfavorable market conditions.

He states that in as much as the farmers respect the country’s liberalized economy, government should ensure that small scale farmers benefit from their yields by providing a fair trading environment.

Mr. Moobwe tells Q-news that government should cushion the plight of farmers by at least setting a floor price for maize, to provide a leveled trading field so that farmers also benefit from their produce.

Meanwhile, Mr. Moobwe has called on government to ensure the 2018 national budget is an inclusive one that will also benefit small scale farmers.