Politics

Don’t take farmers for granted – ZNFU

By NATION REPORTER

Delayed payments to farmers has potential to affect future   productivity and compromises national food security, the Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU) has warned.

The ZNFU has warned the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) not to take farmers for granted.

ZNFU media and public relations manager, Mr Calvin Kaleyi said much as the union appreciated government releasing  K960 million part payment to farmers for maize supplied to FRA, there was need to quickly pay the outstanding balance without further delay to avoid affecting future production.

Mr Kaleyi   the ZNFU was happy   when Secretary to the Treasury, Mr. Felix Nkulukusa, announced that that government had released 59 percent (K960 million) of what farmers were owed by the FRA for maize supplied to the agency during the 2021 marketing window, leaving a balance of 41 percent (K670 million).

“While this is plausible, the ZNFU is concerned that the perpetual delayed payments by the FRA and ambivalent position that this creates is a serious matter that affects future production and productivity and compromises national food security.

“We are afraid that farmers are being taken for granted by the FRA as this is not a new matter.  Why should we as farmers have to suffer before our grievances are attended to? ” Mr Kaleyi asked.

Going forward, he said, we appeal to the FRA and the Treasury to meticulously plan ahead to ensure farmers are not demoralized.

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