Govt. devises measures to avoid grain wastage this year

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Greyford Monde has said government was working out measures to ensure that the 2013/2014 crop marketing exercise is a success.

In an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today, Mr. Monde said government was making headways towards making the crop marketing exercise smooth and successful.

He said government’s plan was to ensure that no grain goes to waste during this exercise.

He said this will be achieved through the prudent management of the exercise.

Mr. Monde said last year, government through the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) bought maize mostly from far flung areas with the aim of supporting local farmers.

He said government will ensure that the private sector is consulted when the process of buying the grain from farmers is flagged off.

Mr. Monde said government will also ensure that it uses private entities to help in the procurement of maize after the harvest.

He said the Private Public Partnership has proved to be another way of cushioning the pressure that government faces during the crop marketing period.

Mr. Monde said during the 2013 crop marketing season, government performed well and therefore minimal quantities of maize and other grain were wasted.