The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) is during the 2023 maize marketing season expected to employ one thousand young people in Eastern Province as depot clerks, security guards and casual workers among other positions.

This follows the increase in FRA satellite depots from 179 in 2022 to 193 in 2023.

Speaking at the official opening of an FRA training in Chipata City, Eastern Province Minister Peter Phiri says government remains committed to replenishing the country’s food reserves after a poor farming season mainly affected by climate change.

Meanwhile Eastern Province Marketing Coordinator Layford Phiri says the agency has already started preparing to begin buying white maize, soya beans and rice.

He says the agency is currently monitoring the moisture content and that once it drops to 12.5, buying will immediately start.

By Samuel Khwawe