By Gift Inambao
The Food Reserve Agency –FRA- says the introduction of satellite depot committees has reduced congestion and improved maize purchasing during the 2026 crop marketing season.
FRA Executive Director JUSTIN CHUUNKA says the committees are a pilot initiative introduced this year to regulate the number of farmers delivering maize to depots at a given time.
Mr. CHUUNKA says depots that have not fully adopted the system continue to experience challenges, with some farmers attempting to bypass the committees by delivering maize at night.
He says such practices create risks of inaccurate weighing, undue pressure on FRA employees and other malpractices.
Mr. CHUUNKA has commended farmers and depot committees that have embraced the system, urging all depots to strictly adhere to the guidelines to curb congestion, bribery and other malpractices.
He was speaking during a tour to inspect maize sheds in Monze District, Southern Province.
Meanwhile, Southern Province Acting Permanent Secretary GIFT MOONDE said the new system will help reduce congestion, protect maize from damage during the rainy season and curb opportunities for corruption.
