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Irate farmers storm DC’s office over FRA payments Serenje, November 28, 2014, ZANIS…….….Irate farmers in Serenje district this morning stormed the District Commissioner’s office demanding an explanation as to why the Food Reserve Agency(FRA)is not paying them for the maize they supplied for the 2013/2014 season.
Meanwhile, ZANIS reports that Police in riot gear kept vigil at the District Commissioner’s office as he addressed the farmers.
The FRA in the district last week promised farmers that they would pay the money today.
The farmers who last week nearly manhandled FRA Serenje District Marketing Officer Zaccheus Manda said when they went to Finance Bank early today they were told that FRA had not sent a list of farmers to be paid.
The unruly farmer said they want FRA to give them back the maize they supplied to the agency since it has failed to pay them on time.
One of the farmers who could not give his identity said farmers have been patient enough with the FRA hence they want the maize they supplied the agency.
The Farmer said FRA should understand that the distribution of fertilizer for this farming season has already started and farmers want the money to pay for matching grants.
He wondered how farmers are expected to solve their personal problems and prepare for the 2014/2015 farming season without money.
Another farmer Mary Mulenga said it was unfair for her to be subjected to suffering for doing a service to government.
Ms Mulenga said she wants to retrieve the maize she gave FRA so that she can sell it to Millers.
But Serenje District Commissioner has called for calm from farmers as the FRA Provincial Marketing coordinator Timothy Chanda told him that the agency was doing everything possible to pay the farmers in the district by Thursday next week.
Meanwhile, Police clad in riot gear kept vigil at the District Commissioner’s office as he addressed the farmers.
