Mawindo expresses concern over delay in ADMARC farm produce purchases

Dedza Mphunzi Constituency Member of Parliament Emmanuel Mawindo has expressed concern over delays by the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) in purchasing farm produce from farmers in his constituency.

Mawindo raised the matter on Wednesday during Question Time in Parliament, warning that the delays are encouraging the smuggling of agricultural produce to neighbouring countries, where farmers are able to secure quicker markets.

The legislator also noted that many farmers are still storing maize while waiting for ADMARC to begin purchases, delaying their ability to raise money for essential farm inputs such as fertiliser ahead of the next farming season.

Responding to the concerns, Minister of Agriculture Rosa Mbilizi said the government, through ADMARC, has already commenced purchasing various farm produce, including maize, from farmers across the country.

Minister of Finance and Decentralisation Joseph Mathyola Mwanamvekha also assured Parliament that the government remains committed to buying more maize from farmers.

He said the government has allocated K100 billion to the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) to purchase maize nationwide, in addition to maize already procured from the Zambian government.

Mwanamvekha further challenged the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture to verify the progress of maize purchases with the NFRA.

Following the responses from the two Cabinet ministers, Mawindo expressed satisfaction with the assurances that the government will purchase farm produce from farmers across the country, including those in his constituency.

Parliament continues with Question Time, where ministers are responding to queries from members on various national issues.