Mwinilunga farmers threaten to withdraw maize from FRA

 

Mwinilunga farmers threaten to withdraw maize from FRA

 

Mwinilunga, November 17, ZANIS—Small scale farmers who sold their maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) in Mwinilunga district have threatened to get back their commodity if government delays further to paying them.

Speaking on behalf of a group of irate farmers who stormed the office of the District Commissioner in Mwinilunga today, Edward Benwa complained over the delayed payment describing it as unfortunate.

Mr. Benwa stated that it was better that government gives them back their maize so that they can sell it to briefcase buyers and raise money to buy farm inputs for the 2014-2015 farming season than to continue enduring the delayed payment.

He said it was not fair for farmers who sold their maize to FRA between July and August to remain unpaid up to now.

He has since appealed to government to expedite the payment process.

Mr. Benwa said it has been a challenge for farmers to meet their family, social and economic needs due to the delayed payment especially that farming has been their main source of income.

But Mwinilunga District Commissioner Irene Mate assured farmers that government was working round the clock to pay them.

Ms. Mate has since appealed for calm and maximum patience among farmers.