Skip to main content

Government Assures Luapula Farmers of Total Maize Purchase, Urges Patience


Government has assured farmers in Luapula Province that every bag of maize harvested this season will be bought by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), despite reports of delays at some satellite depots.

The assurance was made by Luapula Province Minister, Eng. Nason Musonda, during a visit to the FRA satellite depot in Kalaba area of Mansa District on Thursday.

Eng. Musonda acknowledged that the overwhelming maize harvest, a result of the New Dawn Government’s supportive agricultural policies, has temporarily strained storage and logistical capacity. He disclosed that the country has already surpassed 3.6 million metric tonnes of maize production this season, with FRA having purchased over 1.2 million metric tonnes nationally.

“The sight of so much maize is a good story for Luapula and for Zambia. It is a testament to the hard work of our farmers and the supportive environment created by President Hakainde Hichilema,” said Eng. Musonda. “I am aware that some of our farmers have been waiting. I urge you to exercise a little more patience. The K340 per 50kg price offered by FRA is the most attractive and I can assure you that all your maize will be bought.”

To ease congestion and speed up the buying process, Eng. Musonda announced that a central depot is being set up in Mansa’s Central Business District to create additional capacity. He further stated that he has taken personal charge of the matter and will meet with the provincial team to ensure a more efficient exercise going forward.

With the rainy season expected to begin in mid-October, the Minister stressed that all maize in depots will be collected and secured before then to avoid post-harvest losses.

He also urged farmers to prioritise household food security before selling their produce. “While we are encouraging you to sell your maize, please remember to keep enough for your families. Securing your household’s food needs is the first step towards securing the nation’s food security,” he said.

According to a statement issued by Luapula Province Principal Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Maseko, the Provincial Administration remains committed to supporting the agricultural sector as the backbone of the province’s economy, in line with the Presidential directive of attaining 10 million metric tonnes of maize production by 2030.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Young Zambian Farmer Navigates Climate Change with Traditional Wisdom and Modern Know-How

  Climate-smart agriculture, an innovative approach that helps guide actions to transform agri-food systems towards green and climate-resilient practices, is transforming the way we grow our food. From precision farming methods to the use of organic farming practices, the founder of Love for Humanity Foundation Felix Mbewe is reshaping the agricultural landscape in Zambia.   Felix's journey into farming stems from his upbringing and education. Born in the digital native’s error, he experienced a unique blend of city life and hands-on farming practices which played a great role in the development of his passion for farming. As he navigated through his adolescent years, it was at Jacaranda and Kabulonga Boys secondary schools where he first encountered formal agricultural education. Despite a strong inclination towards the arts, Felix’s exposure to farming during his childhood at the family farm profoundly influenced his path. He went on to study for a Bachelor's Degree in D...
Post a Comment
Read more

Irrigation Canals: Kawambwa Farmers’ New Frontline Against Climate Change

With climate change and drought affecting most parts of Zambia, irrigation farming has become a source of hope for farmers in Kawambwa district.  Recognizing this need, the World Bank-funded Transforming Landscapes for Resilience and Development (TRALARD) project has invested 11.7 million Kwacha to build permanent irrigation canals, aiming to provide a lifeline for communities hit hardest by unpredictable weather patterns. Farmers like Osborne Mubanga from Chansa Malamba, one of the irrigation sites, have already begun reaping the benefits of these canals, growing winter maize and vegetables with consistent water access. “As soon as we saw the construction of the canal, we decided to plant maize before the rainy season started, knowing the canal would provide water for our crops,” Mubanga shared. He added that the canals have eased his workload significantly: “We no longer need to use buckets. Now, we just open furrows along the canal, making our work much easier.” Access to a ...
Post a Comment
Read more

AIZ Urges Agricultural Professionals to Register and Uphold Standards

The Agricultural Institute of Zambia (AIZ) has called on all agricultural professionals across the country to comply with registration requirements in order to promote professionalism, safeguard the environment, and protect public health. Speaking during a visit to Luapula Province, Mr. Kelvin Sa ili , Head of Compliance and Inspections at AIZ, said the Institute was established to regulate the conduct of agricultural professionals and ensure that only qualified individuals practice within the sector. “The Agricultural Institute of Zambia is a statutory body established under Act No. 2 of 2017 and operationalized through Statutory Instrument No. 19 of 2023, and o ur mandate is to register all agricultural professionals except those in the veterinary field and regulate their professional conduct , ” Mr. Sa ili stated . He noted that the Institute’s establishment marked a significant milestone in promoting accountability and competence within the agricultural sector. To this end...
Post a Comment
Read more