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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.

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