CHIRUNDU - Farmers in Chirundu District have welcomed the Food Reserve Agency (FRA)'s newly announced maize floor price, describing the K7 increase as a positive step despite hoping for a higher adjustment.
The farmers said the announcement has brought relief, allowing them to plan how they will market their produce and utilise the proceeds from this year's harvest.
The FRA recently announced that it will purchase a 50-kilogramme bag of maize at K347, while a 40-kilogramme bag of paddy rice will be bought at K300. Crop deliveries to FRA depots are expected to begin on July 29, 2026.
Speaking in an interview, the farmers said that although the new prices were announced later than expected, the increase was better than no adjustment at all.
One farmer said they had been eagerly waiting for the announcement because it would determine how much they would earn from the farming season.
"We are happy that the price has been increased. We were anticipating to hear the new price," the farmer said.
Another farmer, Munyono Miyoba, said he is optimistic about the new price as he has more than 500 bags of maize ready for sale.
Mr. Miyoba said selling his maize to the FRA would generate significant income to support both his farming activities and household needs.
"I have a lot of bags, over 500, and when I calculate that, it is a lot of money," he said.
However, Mr. Miyoba appealed to the government to ensure farmers receive prompt payments after delivering their crops, noting that many families depend entirely on farming for their livelihoods.
He added that delays in announcing the maize price had already forced some farmers to sell their produce to briefcase buyers offering immediate cash.
The farmers have since called on the FRA to ensure a smooth crop marketing process and timely payments when depots open later this month.
Source: Kalemba (By Elizabeth Muchape)