By Angela Moonga
Over 40000 farmers in Luapula Province have not yet been paid the money owed to them by the government following their maize supplies from the 2024/2025 crop marketing seasons.
According to the Luapula Province administration, 158,000 metric tonnes was delivered, far excessing the projections, and therefore the government had disbursed K498 million to 31,999 across the province.
“The remaining 40,726 farmers are already verified and remain in the payment pipeline, and will be paid as funds continue to be released,” Luapula Province principal public relations officer Emmanuel Maseko stated. “Government acknowledges the patience shown by farmers as payment processes continue. The Provincial Administration wishes to emphasise that the timing of payments reflects the high volumes received and the need to maintain transparency, accuracy and accountability, and does not in any way diminish Government’s commitment to pay all farmers.”
He stated that President Hakainde Hichilema had since directed that all outstanding payments must be cleared, as agriculture remains a key pillar of the economy and the main source of livelihood for many households.
“The Provincial Administration assures farmers that Government is not sleeping. Payments are ongoing and will continue until every verified farmer who supplied maize to FRA is paid in full,” stated Maseko.
He urged farmers to remain patient and confident in government’s commitment.
Maseko states that the government remained fully committed to paying all farmers who supplied maize to FRA.
