FARMERS, STAKEHOLDERS START EARLY MAIZE PURCHASE TALKS

STAKEHOLDERS in the early maize purchase have started discussions on the contract arrangements for the buying of the commodity. The Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU) on Friday called for a meeting attended by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) and Millers Association of Zambia (MAZ) whose objective was to discuss the contract arrangements for early maize purchasing. ZNFU explained that the farmers would contract the early maize to a miller who will pay the farmer and upon proof of the transaction having taken place, the FRA will provide the miller with an agreed quantity of subsidised maize. A draft tripartite contract was provided for the farmers to comment. According to the ZNFU Friday brief, during the meeting, the FRA emphasised the need to clearly define what qualified as early maize and the volumes involved. “In terms of purchase modalities, the FRA explained that the plan is to enter into a tripartite contract arrangement which would involve early maize farmers, the millers and the FRA. Farmers engaged in early maize production are encouraged to contact the grain representative in their area or the ZNFU for a draft copy of the tripartite contract. “Grain representatives are further urged to provide quantities of early maize to be supplied in April, May and June. The Union will continue to engage Government to secure a market for the excess early or rain-fed maize as the tripartite contract is unlikely to absorb the entire projected early and rain-fed crop which will include the export markets,” reads the brief in part. This is in view of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the DRC and Zambia. A follow up meeting will be held with the FRA for the union to convey its comments on the draft tripartite contract and that members will be informed on the outcome.