GOVT URGED TO COMBAT RAMPANT CORRUPTION IN PROCUREMENT OF FERTILIZER

 People’s Alliance for Change Leader Andyford Banda has called on government to combat the rampant corruption in the procurement of fertilizers as it has a detrimental impact on farmers' ability to contribute to national food security.

Commenting on the World Bank report dubbed unlocking productivity and economic transformation for better jobs which states that supporting maize production through the farmers input support programme and food reserve agency is the least socially efficient option for Zambia, Mr Banda is also proposing comprehensive reforms to the Food Reserve Agency-FRA to prevent it from exerting undue control over Zambia’s maize market.

In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr Banda says restructuring the FRA would promote fair competition and better market conditions for farmers and consumers alike as the agency’s current practices often distort market dynamics and limit opportunities for private sector participation.

He explains that by reforming the agency, Zambia could create a more equitable environment where all stakeholders, including smallholder farmers, can thrive.

Mr Banda who has stressed the urgent need for comprehensive reforms is also urging government to implement transparent and accountable practices in the distribution of agricultural inputs especially with widespread reports of irregularities and inefficiencies in the distribution of agricultural inputs during the previous farming season.