National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) says thrrough its mobile markets, it has purchased about 10,000 metric tonnes of maize since May 2024, with Chamama in Kasungu alone contributing over 3,500 tonnes.
Speaking during a tour by the Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Cooperations and State Enterprises to one of NFRA’s mobile market and warehouse, NFRA CEO George Macheka explained that the mobile markets have allowed farmers in rural areas to sell directly to the agency, bypassing vendors and preventing illegal exports.
He added that the nation is on track to ensure adequate maize stocks and secure national food security.
Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Cooperations and State Enterprises Chairperson, Bintony Kutsaira, was impressed with NFRA’s mobile markets, saying they are keeping maize within the country and ensuring fair trade for farmers.
With over 50,000 metric tonnes already stocked mainly through Mega farms and the mobile markets, NFRA is confident of meeting the national target of 100,000 to 120,000 metric tonnes of grain by December.
By Yamikani Makanga
