The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) board chairperson Mr . Musamala Josia Nyirongo has urged farmers only to transact with buyers of grain using a ZMA verfied and certified scale .
And Food Reserve Agency ( FRA ) Executive Director Mr Justin Chuunka has thanked ZMA for their continued collaboration of verfying and certifying their measuring instruments ahead of the grain marketing season .
The two Agencies held a joint press briefing this morning in readiness of the grain marketing season.
Mr . Nyirongo reinforced its commitment to protecting farmers and promoting equitable trade by urging them to avoid selling maize to buyers who utilize uncertified weighing equipment.
This directive is part of the Agency’s Measurement Oversight Strategy, designed to curb exploitation by unregistered briefcase traders during the 2024/2025 agricultural marketing season.
Nyirongo announced that all weighing instruments designated for commercial use this season have undergone thorough verification and certification.
This initiative aims to uphold accuracy in measurement, boost confidence in the trading system, and ensure fairness across the grain value chain.
“ZMA remains a key player in enhancing industrial efficiency, safeguarding consumer rights, and ensuring a level playing field through enforcement of accurate measurements,” Nyirongo said.
“I’m pleased to report that no formal complaints have so far been lodged by farmers regarding the quantity of input supplies—a strong indicator of the effectiveness of our regulatory interventions and the growing compliance among stakeholders.”
He highlighted that the exercise is rooted in the Agency’s legal mandate under the Metrology Act No. 6 of 2017, which empowers ZMA to regulate and monitor measuring equipment used in trade to protect both consumers and businesses.
The Agency recently concluded a nationwide inspection campaign of agricultural inputs, including fertilizers, seeds, and chemicals.
The operation was carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency, and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).
These inspections, conducted at both manufacturing/import warehouses and district-level distribution points under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), aimed to eliminate the supply of substandard or underweight products, ensuring farmers receive full value and bolstering national food security.
Nyirongo confirmed that all weighing scales assigned to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) and private sector buyers have now been validated by ZMA.
This guarantees that grain transactions will only be conducted using certified equipment.
“This intervention ensures that farmers are paid fairly, buyers receive accurate quantities, and fraudulent practices are eliminated. Only instruments that have been tested, verified, and sealed by ZMA will be authorized for use this season,” he stated.
He warned that traders using non-compliant, altered, or unverified scales will face regulatory action, which may include confiscation of equipment, financial penalties, or legal proceedings.
Nyirongo also praised the ongoing collaboration with government ministries and partner agencies and urged all stakeholders to uphold the principles of measurement integrity and commercial transparency.
“This is more than a legal obligation—it is a vital step toward preserving our national economy and securing the livelihoods of Zambian farmers,” he said.
Mr. Chuunka expressed appreciation for ZMA’s support in guaranteeing precise measurement standards, which he described as essential to the FRA’s operations.
“We’re sincerely grateful to ZMA for its role in certifying our weighing equipment,” Chuunka said.
“This certification ensures that the quantities we purchase from farmers match what is delivered to our depots, thereby upholding accountability.”
He stressed that without properly calibrated and certified scales, the FRA could face serious inventory management challenges, including losses and disputes.
“The use of verified equipment gives us the confidence that our procurement processes are both accurate and transparent. It also reduces the risk of discrepancies between what is bought and what is actually received,” Chuunka noted.
He emphasized that certified weighing scales not only ensure fairness but also facilitate smooth transactions, promote trust among stakeholders, and support robust record-keeping.
“These verifications serve as a critical quality control tool. They strengthen our internal systems and enhance our reputation as a reliable institution,” he added.
Chuunka reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining high standards in grain handling and procurement.
He noted that certification of weighing instruments is now a non-negotiable prerequisite for marketing and distribution activities.
“This process gives both FRA and our suppliers peace of mind that transactions are accurate and fair. We commend ZMA for partnering with us in this crucial exercise,” he concluded.
He underscored that through this collaboration, the FRA is now better positioned to manage stock with greater efficiency and uphold a more transparent and regulated grain marketing environment.
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