GEORGE MTONGA TELLS FARMERS: STOP DEPENDING ON FRA, SALE YOUR MAIZE SOMEWHERE ELSE

A recent statement by George Mtonga advising Zambian farmers to explore alternative markets for their maize harvest instead of depending heavily on the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has triggered a flurry of political reactions across the country. Mr Mtonga argued that the FRA faces severe storage limitations, making it impossible for the state institution to absorb the entire national yield even if funding were readily available. He suggested that farmers should look toward private traders and regional export opportunities once the FRA concludes its initial intake periods. The remarks immediately drew sharp commentary within agricultural and political circles, touching on long-standing anxieties regarding crop marketing, government purchasing targets, and the logistical hurdles faced by smallholder farmers. Critics of the current setup pointed to recurring challenges such as delayed payments and limited depot capacities, which historically force vulnerable growers to sell their produce at compromised prices to briefcase buyers. For many farming communities spread across Zambia's agrarian heartlands, finding reliable, timely, and lucrative markets remains the single most critical determinant of rural livelihoods. However, the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) moved swiftly to contain any fallout, officially disowning Mr Mtonga's comments. In a formal media statement, the party clarified that Mtonga is neither a party official nor an authorized spokesperson, stressing that his views do not represent official government policy. The UPND reiterated its unwavering commitment to supporting agricultural producers, pointing to ongoing efforts under the broader national development agenda to expand storage infrastructure, streamline grain clearance, and secure robust domestic and international markets for Zambian maize. Additional commentary from party media directors emphasized that discouraging farmers could undermine confidence in ambitious national prod