Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has so far purchased 875,098 metric tonnes of maize at a total cost of K2.6 billion out of the 3.6 million metric tonnes of maize produced during 2020/2021 farming season.
Speaking during a press briefing held at Chongwe Food Reserve Agency main depot, FRA Board Chairperson Kelvin Hambwezya says the agency will purchase an additional 200,000 metric tonnes of maize to bring the total purchased maize to one million metric tons.
Mr Hambwezya says the agency has so far paid out K1.2 billion to farmers remaining with a debt of K1.4 billion.
He adds that the money realized from the export of 450,000 metric tonnes of maize will be used to dismantle the K1.4 billion which is outstanding to be paid to farmers.
Mr. Hambwezya says Northern province has recorded the highest number of purchases of 173,193 metric tonnes of maize with Petauke district in eastern province recording the highest purchases at district level of over 40,000 metric tonnes.
He says the response by farmers to sell their maize to FRA is overwhelming, urging private companies to come on board and purchase maize from farmers.
And Mr. Hambwezya has dismissed reports circulating on social media that maize in some FRA depots has been soaked by the rains.
He says the agency has secured all the maize at its DEPOTS.