FRA HITS 500,000 TON TARGET
The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has revealed that it has purchased a total of 534,333.30 metric tons of grade A white maize during this year’s on-going crop marketing season.
This is equivalent to a total of 10,686,666 x 50 kilogram bags worth approximately K1.603 billion out of which K1.212 billion has already been paid out to small scale farmers that delivered their maize to FRA depots while some are still getting paid.
FRA Public Relations coordinator John Chipandwe says the purchased quantity of 534,333.30 metric tons is against this year’s Agency maize purchase target of five hundred thousand metric tons (500,000) metric tons which translates into a percentage achievement rate of 106.87 percent as at Thursday, 26th August.
Mr. Chipandwe however mentioned that though the target has been met, the Agency will continue buying maize until 31st October, 2021.
He has also dispelled rumors indicating that the Agency has stopped buying maize since it has reached its purchase target.
“Farmers are therefore encouraged to continue delivering their maize to any nearest FRA satellite depot across the country,” said Mr. Chipandwe.
He has however reminded farmers to be cleaning their maize from their homesteads before going to a satellite depot.
He said this will prevent congestion at depots and reduce on the time farmers spend at depots as the Agency will just screen, weigh and package the maize.
