By Arnold Tutu
The Food Reserve Agency –FRA- has assured farmers who are yet to receive payment for maize supplied during the 2024/2025 crop marketing season that all funds have already been released to participating banks.
In a statement issued to ZNBC News today, FRA Executive Director JUSTIN CHUUNKA said the Agency has disbursed the full amounts to banks responsible for processing payments to farmers who delivered maize to FRA depots countrywide.
Mr. CHUUNKA said all farmer details, including the amounts owed to each supplier, have been submitted to the paying banks in the respective districts.
He has since urged farmers to engage their local banks to complete the payment process.
The FRA Chief added that the Agency has introduced additional payment options, beyond over-the-counter bank transactions, in a bid to speed up payments.
He said these include mobile money platforms and direct bank transfers.
Mr. CHUUNKA said farmers who wish to receive payment through mobile money have been advised to visit FRA offices in their areas to complete the required documentation.
He also encouraged farmers to adopt digital payment methods, noting that they allow for quicker and more efficient processing.
Addressing concerns raised by farmers, Mr. CHUUNKA said FRA understands the importance of timely payments to farming operations and expressed regret over the inconvenience caused by the delays.
He further said the Agency is continuing to work with banks to ensure all outstanding payments are completed as soon as possible.
