I AM EXTREMELY IMPRESSED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF FRA IN THE 2024/25 CROP MARKETING SEASON- AGRICULTURE MINISTER
By: Sun FM TV Reporter
Minister of Agriculture Reuben Mtolo Phiri has expressed delight with the performance of the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) in the 2024/2025 crop marketing season saying the agency has exceeded government expectations.
Addressing Journalists,Mr Phiri revealed that before the marketing season began, FRA had secured millions of grain bags more than what Zambia required ensuring adequate readiness to support farmers.
He stressed that with such preparations, farmers should not face concerns about empty grain bags, adding that his ministry is closely monitoring maize procurement.
The minister acknowledged reports of farmers waiting several days before their maize is purchased, describing the situation as regrettable.
Mr Phiri reaffirmed government’s commitment to prompt payments, clarifying that delays may arise from standard procurement procedures adding that farmers are given the option to receive payments either in cash or banking channels.
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The reality minister on the ground is very bad over payments. It seems the system has gone to sleep.. Very few have been paid and no one at FRA is able to inform farmers what’s causing delays..