By Patricia Mbewe
Government has disbursed K500 million to the Food Reserve Agency -FRA- to enable the agency pay the remaining farmers that sold their maize to government through various FRA depots countrywide. 
Consequently, the agency has transferred the K500 million to banks countrywide for onward payment to eligible farmers.
FRA Public Relations Coordinator John Chipandwe says in this regard, the agency is urging paying banks to expedite the release of funds to the remaining farmers to enable them buy farming inputs in readiness for this year’s farming season.
Mr. Chipandwe says the agency further commends farmers for the patriotism and positive response displayed during this year’s crop marketing season which resulted in the FRA purchasing more than half a million metric tonnes of maize despite the partial drought experienced.
And Mr. Chipandwe says the agency is confident that by close of the extended crop marketing season, all farmers that will deliver their maize between now and 30th November 2024 will be paid.
