
22/08/2025
NORTH WESTERN PROVINCE PERMANENT SECRETARY VISITS FRA DEPOTS IN THE PROVINCE TO APPRECIATE FARMERSโ CONCERNS DURING THE ONGOING MAIZE BUYING..
North Western Province Permanent Secretary, Col Grandson Wishikoti Katambi (Rtd), has visited Food Reserve Agency (FRA) depots to directly assess challenges being faced by farmers in some districts. During his visit to the main FRA depot in Kasempa district, Col Katambi engaged with staff and farmers to better understand their concerns and provide assurances of government intervention.
Col Katambi reassured farmers that the government is taking the necessary steps to quicken the maize-buying process. He urged farmers to remain calm as measures are being put in place to resolve the reported delays. Among these measures, the Permanent Secretary disclosed that scales will soon be dispatched to various districts to speed up operations and improve efficiency.
The Permanent Secretary emphasized the importance of hard work and efficiency from staff working at the depots. He urged officers to handle the maize-buying process diligently and to prioritize elderly farmers to ensure they are not subjected to spending nights in the cold while waiting for their produce to be purchased.
Col Katambi commended the patience of farmers and assured them that the government has taken note of the challenges they face. He reiterated the administration's commitment to addressing these issues promptly and ensuring that the maize-buying process runs smoothly for all stakeholders involved.
Government Under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema is committed to ensuring that farmers are fully supported through a vibrant agriculture sector.