Chikankata MP seeks more FRA depots

UPND Chikankata Member of Parliament (MP) Jacqueline Sabao has called on the government to set up more Food Reserve Agency (FRA) satellite depots in her constituency to enable farmers to easily access the maize market. Ms Sabao says Chikankata has recorded a good harvest this…

UPND Chikankata Member of Parliament (MP) Jacqueline Sabao has called on the government to set up more Food Reserve Agency (FRA) satellite depots in her constituency to enable farmers to easily access the maize market.

Ms Sabao says Chikankata has recorded a good harvest this year, but inadequate storage and buying depots are making it difficult for farmers to sell their produce.

She says inadequate FRA satellite depots are particularly affecting farmers benefiting from the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), who are required to sell their maize through designated markets.

Ms Sabao was speaking in an interview with the media in Lusaka today.

The lawmaker has since commended the government for encouraging citizens to till the land and invest in agriculture as a serious venture.

According to Ms Sabao, she said farmers in Chikankata have responded positively to the call.

“Government gave us a voice that we need to go back to the land and invest in agriculture, and the people of Chikankata have responded to that,” she said.

FRA is buying a 50 kilogram bag of white maize at K347 floor price. Paddy rice is set at K7.15 per kilogram translating to K300 for a 40 kilogram bag.

The Agency plans to purchase 500,000 metric tonnes of maize and 10,000 metric tonnes of rice at all its 1,749 satellite depots respectively.