Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Food Reserve Agency has revised UPWARDS the purchase price for maize from K160 per 50 Kg to K180 per 50 Kg Bag or equivalent to K3, 600 per Metric Tonne and K3.6 per Kilogramme.
FRA Board Chairperson Kelvin Hambwezya says this therefore supersedes the earlier announcement made on 16th June 2022.
Mr Hambwezya says this revision has been done in view of the current market dynamics and on the premise of ensuring that farmers recover their production costs especially in striking a balance with those that did not benefit from the Farmer Input Support Programme.
He says it is envisaged that this price will further ensure a boost in Maize production and improved productivity amongst the Small Scale Farmers for the upcoming and future agriculture seasons that will guarantee increased income and diversified opportunities in Agricultural Trade and value chains both locally and regionally.
He has assured the farmers that the Agency will operate at least 1,257 satellite depots across the country, as was the case last year.
Mr. Hambwezya says as the recruitment and training of buyers has started, the Agency is anticipating to start opening up satellite depots by Wednesday,13th July 2022 and commence purchase of the three designated crops namely Non GMO White Maize, Soya Beans and Paddy Rice where the Moisture Content has reached acceptable standards.