THE Food Reserve Agency (FRA) says it will commence maize purchasing in the second week of July 2011.
FRA assistant public relations officer Michael Mazakaza said in Lusaka yesterday that the moisture content is still above the recommended 12.5 percent.
“The moisture content across the country is above 12.5 percent, making it difficult to commence the purchase of maize,” Mr Mazakaza said.
He said since the 2010-2011 marketing season was launched in May this year, the agency has not been able to purchase maize.
Zambia has recorded another bumper harvest of over 3 million metric tonnes of maize in the 2010/2011 agricultural season.
This represents an eight percent rise above the last 2009 – 2010 agricultural season.
The maize floor price for this year’s marketing season is pegged at K65,000 per 50 kilogramme bag of maize.
And Mr Mazakaza said the FRA is next week expected to give a comprehensive statement on the status of storage facilities.
[Zambia Daily Mail]
WHAT ABOUT THE ROTTING GRAINS FROM THE PREVIOUS TWO YEARS?
END OF FINANCIAL YEAR WRITE OFF IS BEST.
sell all the old stock to avoid the already existing waste. you you do not like money. maize needed just here in kenya tanzania etc
What is the plan on payment of farmers? If payments were prompt we would reduce on the exploitation in maize marketing. It has become more profitable not to grow maize but instead buy from the farmers at a low price before FRA starts its purchases and payments. People need cash. Pay them.
Totally agree with you. You took the words right out of my mouth.