Minister of Agriculture Reuben Mtolo Phiri has promised to settle all outstanding payments owed to farmers who sold maize to Food Reserve Agency FRA by 31 October once exports funds are secured.
Mr. Phiri after holding high level meeting with a delegation from Malawi the funds would be secured from the proceeds of planned maize exports handled by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA).
He says government is committed to clearing the debts by the end of October.
The pledge comes amid ongoing concerns from farmers about delayed payments.
He emphasized that the government valued the farmers’ role in maintaining national food security and vowed to improve the payment system in future seasons.
The announcement was made during a handover ceremony for Constituency Development Fund (CDF) loans, a separate government initiative.
Meanwhile Chief Mnukwa Mazyopa of Chipangali District has urged the President to remove all individuals who are making the life of farmers difficult stating that playing with farmers is threatening for security of the country.
By Samuel Khwawe.
