Govt releases K3 million for Luwingu farmers

Govt releases K3 million for Luwingu farmers

Luwingu,  August  7, 2014,  ZANIS – Government has disbursed over K3 million to pay 276 Luwingu district farmers who sold their maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA).

The farmers will receive their money through the National Savings and Credit Bank (NATSAVE) in Luwingu district of the Northern Province.

Luwingu district administrative officer Deodatus Munsungwe confirmed to the Zambia News and Information Services  (ZANIS ) in Luwingu today that government released the funds to pay small scale farmers in the area.

Mr Munsungwe said government released K3, 127, 212.57 to the local bank to pay 276 farmers who sold maize to food reserve agency in the last two weeks.

He said farmers who sold their maize through Luwingu central, Matipa, Mufili, Chibofwe, Chifwile and Chanda -Mwamba satellite depot will receive their funds from NATSAVE starting from today.

Mr Munsungwe said FRA has purchased 19, 200 by 50 kilo gram bags of white maize in the last two weeks adding that the district has run out of space to offload maize coming from satellite depots in the district.

The district administrative officer has thanked the government for the gesture of good will adding that farmers will now be able to plan and prepare for the next farming season.

“We thank government for the gesture as this will enable farmers ample time to prepare for 2014/15 farming season. It is our prayer that the status quo is maintained this marketing season,” he added.

Meanwhile, the newly constructed FRA shed will be ready for use next month.

And farmers have commended the PF government for releasing funds in time to pay them for the maize they sold to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA )  last week.

Speaking on behalf of the farmers Cephas Chofwe said paying farmers in time will enable them plan their expenditure adequately.