Illegal maize sells to foreigners worry DC

Ikelenge District Administration authorities in Northwestern province are concerned over reports of farmers in the border town illegally selling maize to neighbouring countries. District Commissioner (DC), Abiud Kawangu, says it is disturbing that some farmers are not appreciating the move by government towards ensuring escalated grain reserve in the country. Mr Kawangu vowed that he will not sit idle and allow the illegality to continue unabated because the same farmers receive inputs under the Fertilizer Input Support Programme (FISP) from government. ZANIS reports that the District Commissioner said this when he made an impromptu visit to FRA Lwakela satellite depot.   “Government is committed to improving the livelihoods of farmers in this province as demonstrated from the disbursement of K17 million to the region for cash purchase of maize,” he said. Mr Kawangu has since instructed the District Joint Operations Committee (DJOC) members to monitor the situation and ensure that the illegal selling of maize to neighbouring countries is halted. Speaking earlier, FRA Lwakela Satellite Depot Clerk, Jessie Thawe, disclosed that the Agency had only managed to procure 2,000 bags of maize since the depot opened in June 2020. – ZANIS The Sun