By Memory Bbuku
Vice President MUTALE NALUMANGO says there is no malice in the delay to pay farmers who supplied maize to the Food Reserve Agency -FRA.
Mrs. NALUMANGO says the FRA had targeted the purchase of over 500,000 metric tonnes, but the agency received surplus maize from farmers following the bumper harvest recorded in the last farming season.
She told chiefs in Chinsali that Government extended the standard target, resulting in an accumulated bill of over 11 billion Kwacha as it sought to ensure that farmers benefitted from their harvest.
The Vice President said this when she paid a courtesy call on three traditional leaders in Chinsali District.
Mrs. NALUMANGO, however, said that while Government regrets the inconvenience caused to farmers, it is doing everything possible to finalise the outstanding payments.
She said Government has already settled payments for the 500,000-plus metric tonnes that were initially budgeted for.
Mrs. NALUMANGO added that Government is further engaging local banks and the private sector to ensure that sufficient funds are secured to pay all farmers.
The Vice President also congratulated farmers in the province for their contribution to the bumper harvest.
Meanwhile, Chief NKULA, speaking on behalf of other chiefs, appealed to Government to work on the Safwa Road to ensure farmers can access inputs during the rainy season and improve transportation to the market.
