LIVINGSTONE – Livingstone District Cooperative Union Chairperson Rwinnick Mapanza has advised farmers to properly dry their maize before delivering it to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), warning that grain with high moisture content could result in financial losses, rejection at depots and potential health risks to consumers.
Mr. Mapanza said although the FRA has officially opened the 2026 maize marketing season, the agency has not yet announced this season's floor price.
He cautioned farmers against rushing undried maize to FRA depots in anticipation of the price announcement, explaining that maize with excessive moisture is likely to fail quality inspections and could be rejected after mandatory moisture content tests.
According to Mr. Mapanza, rejected maize often forces farmers to incur additional transport and labour costs as they must return the grain for further drying before it can be resubmitted.
He noted that experienced farmers, particularly in Southern and Central provinces, understand the importance of drying maize to the recommended moisture level before sale, saying the practice helps protect both producers and consumers.
Mr. Mapanza further warned that poorly dried maize is highly susceptible to aflatoxin contamination, describing the toxin as a serious food safety hazard that should not be taken lightly.
He urged farmer cooperatives to intensify awareness campaigns on proper post-harvest handling practices to ensure that only quality maize is delivered to FRA depots.
Mr. Mapanza also called on the FRA to maintain strict quality control measures, stating that purchasing substandard maize could compromise Zambia's strategic food reserves and expose consumers to unsafe food when the grain is eventually released onto the market.
His remarks follow a recent media briefing in which the FRA confirmed that the 2026 maize floor price will be announced at a later date while reiterating that all maize delivered to its depots must meet the prescribed moisture content requirements.
Source: Sun FM TV News