Farmer Unions have expressed concern over the decision by the Food Reserve Agency not to include soya beans on the list of crops it will be buying in the 2023 Crop Marketing Season.
Zambia National Farmers Union President Jervis Zimba says the decision defeats the country’s crop diversification agenda.
National Association of Smallholder Farmers in Zambia Executive Director Frank Kayula says the decision will expose farmers to price exploitation.
Dr. Kayula adds that the government should with immediate effect regulate all exports of soya beans to avoid market distortions.
On May, 17, 2023, Food Reserve Agency Board Chairperson Kelvin Hambwezya disclosed that the agency has 100,000 metric tonnes of soya beans and will not be procuring more this year.
By Shem Malinda