Grain Traders Association of Zambia says the release of K14 million owed to farmers who supplied maize to the Food Reserve Agency will help farmers plan for the next farming season.

Association Executive Director Chambuleni Simwinga told Money FM News in an interview that the delay in releasing the funds had created anxiety among every maize value chain player because they need to prepare adequately for another crop marketing season.
Mr. Simwinga said government should strive to release the funds on time so that farmers who are financed through out grower systems are able to settle their debts without difficulties.
“For every maize value player it created an anxiety and its good that government has released the funds especially that very soon we will be going into the marketing season,” Mr. Simwinga said.
He added that it is the Association’s hope that government will wind down on the balance owed to input suppliers and other farmers who supplied maize to FRA.

“I know government is trying the best but as farmers we need to plan also on what we are going to buy, when we are buying and when we are going to pay,” he said.
Mr. Simwinga’s comment comes in following the move by government to release K14 million to the Food Reserve Agency to pay farmers who supplied maize last year.