AN URGENT APPEAL TO GOVERNMENT ON BEHALF OF LUNDAZI FARMERS
If the reported 30 September 2026 deadline for the closure of the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) maize marketing season is correct, then Government must urgently consider the situation of farmers who are still waiting in queues at FRA depots in Lundazi.
The truth is that, venders are the ones who sold their maize. Genuine farmers due to scarcity of FRA sacks and corruption involved when selling maize, they were being disadvantaged making them to be on que for a long period. Unfortunately, with the hope of selling, then closure of fra marketing season is being announced to be 30 September 2026.
This is not simply about extending a deadline. It is about protecting the livelihood of farmers who have done their part.
Farmers planted. They harvested. They transported their maize to FRA depots. Many have spent days waiting in queues, expecting that the Government’s maize marketing system would give them a fair opportunity to sell their produce.
It would therefore be deeply concerning if the marketing season closes while genuine farmers are still waiting to be served.
There are also serious concerns among farmers regarding shortages or delays in the availability of FRA sacks, long queues, delays in the buying process and allegations of corruption or preferential treatment at some depots. These concerns should not simply be ignored. They deserve transparency, investigation and accountability.
A farmer who has been waiting at an FRA depot should not lose the opportunity to sell his or her maize because of delays within the system.
Government has a responsibility to ensure that the agricultural marketing system works for the farmers who depend on it. If the system has created delays that have prevented farmers from selling within the announced period, then the solution should not be to simply close the doors and leave farmers behind.
OUR APPEAL IS SIMPLE:
Extend the FRA maize buying period in areas where farmers are still waiting to sell their maize.
Give priority to farmers who are already in the queues.
Make the distribution of FRA sacks transparent.
Investigate complaints of corruption, favouritism and unfair treatment.
Provide clear information to farmers about where and when they can sell their maize.
And most importantly, do not punish farmers for delays they did not create.
The people of Lundazi are not asking Government for a favour. They are asking for a fair opportunity to sell the maize they have produced through their own hard work.
Food security begins with respecting the farmer.
Let Government listen to the farmers of Lundazi.
Let no farmer who has waited patiently at an FRA depot be left behind.
Extend the buying period and give every genuine farmer a fair chance to sell.
Mugala Gibson
Lundazi Concerned lundazi resident.