July 13th, 2015 - ZNFU Notes (Waiting for the FRA; Load Shedding)

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*Excerpts from Friday Brief, Week 28 (10-July-2015*
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LOAD SHEDDING AFFECTS MILK PROCESSORS

A number of processors have bemoaned non adherence to the load shedding schedules by ZESCO as some have gone without power for more than 8hours.This has resulted in increased production costs as processors resort to generators and other expensive alternative sources of power . Most processors have had challenges in collecting milk from Milk Collection Centres (MCCs) as they cannot offload and process milk already at the plant due to power outages by ZESCO. This has in turn has affected MCC operations as they fail to receive milk from the farmers. Dairy Association of Zambia (DAZ) is in the process of undertaking a survey to establish the exact impact of power outages members.

2014/15 FRA CROP MARKETING PREPARATIONS COMMENCE IN SESHEKE

Preparations for the 2014/15 crop marketing season by FRA have commenced in Sesheke district. The Agency has already deployed its field staff to 29 satellite depots besides other logistical arrangements that are being put in place. Initially 18 satellite depots were planned to be opened, but then, the lobbying done by the DFA in collaboration with Ministry of Agriculture convinced the Agency to increase the number by 11 satellite depots.

In another development, the District Commissioner’s office has assured the people of Sesheke district that relief food will soon be given to people who are badly hit with hunger.

FARMERS ANTICIPATING A CHALLENGING MARKETING SEASON

Farmers in Solwezi district are worried by the slow pace at which logistics are being put in place by the FRA for this year’s crop marketing season. The farmers have observed that there is delay in the announcement of the maize flour price and the official opening of the crop marketing season. The farmers have further complained that the late preparations might result into more complications when the marketing exercise begins.

NORTH WEST FARMERS IN DESPERATE WAIT FOR FRA MARKET

Maize Farmers in the north western part of the country are anxiously waiting for the opening of the maize marketing exercise by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA). A check by the ZNFU at different marketing depots in the province found that several farmers have already taken their Maize produce there in readiness for the start of the marketing exercise