Africa-Press – Zambia. PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu says the increased production recorded in the 2020/2021 agricultural season is due to timely payments to farmers that supplied crops toFood Reserve Agency (FRA) unlike in the previous seasons.
Speaking when he launched the 2021 FRA crop purchasing programme in kaoma, western province today, President Lungu commended farmers for having contributed contributed significantly to the outstanding crop performance in the 2020/2021 agricultural season.
“I am proud of the country’s record breaking bumper harvest of our major staple maize and soya beans. in addition, the production of many other crops recorded significant growth.
He said the exceptional performance in the production of various crops is a clear demonstration that the agriculture sector is responding to the deliberate policies that government has been implementing. The President said government has prioritised early distribution of farming inputs, under the farmer input support programme.
“It is, therefore, pleasing to observe that various stakeholders countrywide have expressed happiness with the prices the food reserve agency is offering for commodities, such as maize, which is priced at 150 kwacha per 50 kg bag, and soya beans at 500 kwacha per 50 kg bag. with these prices, i am confident that farmers will be encouraged to continue producing strategic crops in an effort to enhance food security and income generation,” he said
He also assured farmers countrywide that government will continue to champion their interests in quest to fully transform the country’s agriculture sector.
President Lungu commended the Ministry of Agriculture and FRA for responding swiftly to his directive for the agency to enter the market early as vulnerable farmers will be protected from unscrupulous traders who usually swindle farmers out of their hard earned crops.
He urged FRA to establish as many satellite depots as possible, as this will bring the agency’s buying points closer to farmers. President Lungu said government will ensure that the agency is adequately funded so that farmers are paid on time. He further called on players involved in crop marketing to ensure necessary precautions are taken to protect lives and reduce the spread of COVID-19.
“I further wish to appeal to the food reserve agency to lead by example, by adhering to the health guidelines which have been put in place to promote the health and safety of members of staff including, farmers who will supply crops this season,” he said
