FRA buys over 474,000 metric tonnes of maize acorss the country

The Food Reserve Agency FRA has bought 474,120 metric tonnes of maize valued at 711 million Kwacha from farmers across the country.
FRA Executive Director Chola Kafwabulula told journalists in Chipata that the agency has so far released 98 million Kwacha and that some farmers have already been paid for the grain.
He stated that the agency will next week release more funds adding that it is the intention of FRA to ensure that the farmers are paid within two weeks of the maize purchase.
Mr. Kafwabulula disclosed that the country has generally recorded a high production of the grain and that Northern Province recorded the highest with 94,818 metric tonnes while Western Province recorded the lowest with 7,000 metric tonnes.
He noted that the 474,120 metric tonnes which reflects into 9.3 million by 50 kilogram bags has been bought within a space of one month.
Mr Kafwabulula also disclosed that FRA will construct 98 storage sheds at the cost of 13 million US dollars in various parts of the country.
He stated that the 98 storage sheds out of which 18 will be constructed in Eastern Province will each have a capacity of 5,000 metric tonnes.