….as most farmers continue staying at FRA depots hoping for their maize to be bought….
Kanchibiya Constituency Member of Parliament Sunday Chilufya Chanda has expressed concern that farmers in his Constituency have been staying at Food Reserve Agency (FRA) depots since August 2021 waiting to be supplied with empty grain bags for their maize.
Speaking when he visited Tazara Corridor Resettlement Scheme, Mung’ang’a FRA depot, Mr. Chanda was woeful to see the maize grain going to waste as sacks that were initially used were damaged due to prolonged exposure to heat from the sun.
Mr. Chanda however assured the farmers that their plight had been brought to the attention of Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and the Vice President in Parliament and an assurance had been made that the situation would be addressed.
“Government through the Vice President and Minister of Agriculture have assured that empty grain bags are coming and that your maize at FRA depots will be bought. I am also aware that there is still more maize in your homes and we will ask Government to help with finding market for your produce. No single grain must be allowed to go to waste,” he said.
And Mr. Chanda also expressed concern with the late payment of farmers that have already supplied their produce to FRA adding that they should be paid in order for them to start preparing for the next farming season on time.
Meanwhile the Kanchibiya lawmaker has stressed the importance of improving agricultural services in the constituency in order for the people to venture into different forms of farming.
“Kanchibiya aspires to become an agriculture hub. So this resettlement area, farming blocks and communities where our people are is very important. There is a lot of livestock in this area, so we are going to support the government dip tank with chemicals to keep your animals safe from disease. I am calling on more people in Kanchibiya to venture into livestock farming too,” he said.
He further said that he would ensure that the completed livestock service center in the area is commissioned as a way of encouraging more farmers to venture into livestock farming.
He also noted that livestock farming is important and that he would find means of supporting the community with 50 litres of dip at a cost of K15,000 as start up for the project.
“Following your complaint that cattle are dying due to lack of a dip, I will ensure that we find means of buying the dip for you as start up so that we prevent our animals from dying and encourage livestock farming”. He said.
