LUSAKA — The Food Reserve Agency has opened maize purchase outlets in 110 districts, offering smallholder farmers K280 per 50-kilogram bag as it seeks to replenish strategic grain reserves.
FRA executive director Mwamba Mwape said the agency targets 500,000 metric tonnes this marketing season, up from 380,000 last year. Depots in Mkushi, Choma and Kasama reported long queues as farmers delivered harvests from the favourable 2026 rainy season.
Ministry of Agriculture permanent secretary Green Mbozi urged farmers to dry grain to acceptable moisture levels to reduce post-harvest losses. Millers welcomed the programme, saying stable FRA purchases help moderate mealie meal prices during lean months.
Transport cooperatives in Eastern Province complained about poor road conditions delaying deliveries to central silos. Government allocated K120 million for emergency grading of feeder roads in maize surplus districts.
Agricultural economists cautioned that delayed payments could push farmers back into distress sales to briefcase buyers. FRA pledged to settle accounts within 14 days via mobile money and bank transfers.
