FRA pays farmers in Chipata

–Government has released K35 million for payment to farmers who sold their maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA).

Chipata District Commissioner, Kalunga Zulu, said during a media briefing this morning that the district has finally received the balance.

Mr Zulu said the FRA owed farmers a total sum of K58 Million as of last week.

The DC noted that last week, government released K23 Million which is currently being paid to farmers, adding that the banks have also extended the working hours to accommodate the farmers.

He also told the farmers to be patient and only go to banks when advised through the media to avoid being inconvenienced.

The DC noted that the people, who are politicising the issue of farmers, should seek facts whenever they want to use the information to avoid incontinences.

Mr Zulu noted that the K23 million released last week was to be paid to farmers that sold their produce up to August 31, 2014.

He, however, praised the media for objective reporting on the matter as it has helped calm the situation in the district.

Farmers recently protested over delayed payment for the maize they supplied to FRA.