22/07/2025
Katete farmers want more Maize depot - DC
FARMERS in Katete District are expressing deep frustration over the significant reduction and limited operational status of Food Reserve Agency (FRA) maize depots, forcing them to travel long distances to sell their produce.
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According to Katete Town District Commissioner Raphael Phiri, this poses a serious challenge to the agricultural marketing season in the region.
Phiri said this when the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Nicholas Phiri paid a courtesy call on him at his office last Friday.
He said Katete was originally allocated 22 maize buying depots for its 22 wards one per ward but Katete also serves farmers from neighbouring Mambwe District.
Phiri said while FRA recently approved an additional eight depots for Katete, only three of these new ones have commenced operations so far.
This brings the current total operational depots, including those serving Mambwe, to a mere 25, with only nine actively buying maize at present.
"The remaining 16 are still awaiting sample collection and moisture content testing," he shared while disclosing that local farmers during the 2020 drought period, were provided with 44 depots opened for the sale of maize to avert a hunger crisis which they adapted to.
"Our people had gotten used to that huge number of depots. So now to reduce that from 44 to 22, which is 50 percent, it's like a blow to our people," lamented DC Phiri.
While authorities explain that the 44 depots were an emergency measure, and the current number represents a return to "normal," farmers are struggling to accept the change.
Despite the challenges, Phiri noted that the response from farmers at the nine fully operational depots has been quite good, with some bringing maize even before official opening.
However, the widespread dissatisfaction underscores a pressing need for more accessible buying points for farmers in Katete.
Meanwhile, Phiri said Katete farmers District was severely disadvantaged in the last farming season, with no farmer benefiting from The Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility (SAFF) loans.
"SAFF is an innovative initiative designed to empower Zambia's small-scale farmers by providing them with access to essential financial resources," the Ministry of Agriculture shared.
"Established with the goal of enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability, SAFF aims to bridge the financing gap that smallholder farmers often face, enabling them to invest in better farming techniques, purchase necessary inputs, and ultimately increase their crop yields."
Government therefore collaborates with financial institutions, government bodies, and agricultural experts, to ensure SAFF offers a range of financing options that are accessible and affordable.
But Phiri believes that the local named bank in Katete has proved not equal to the task in facilitating the crucial agricultural financing.
"Up to now, our bank doesn't seem to be really ready. We are yet to see this year....But going by history, I think we are not satisfied that they can handle the situation," Phiri said.
In light of the bank's shortcomings, the District Commissioner confirmed that farmers are now being advised to seek financial services from other institutions.
"Right now we are advising our farmers to either go to Natsave or Indo Zambia Bank that have proved to be very, very helpful in terms of SAF," said Phiri.
Kalemba July 22, 2025