CHONGWE – The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has continued purchasing maize from farmers across the country as the 2026 crop marketing season gathers momentum.
In Chongwe District, farmers are delivering their harvest to one of the Agency's satellite buying depots, where Grade A non-GMO white maize is being purchased at K347 per 50-kilogramme bag, while paddy rice is being bought at K300 per 40-kilogramme bag.
In line with President Hakainde Hichilema's directive for prompt payments to farmers, the FRA is processing payments through its digital payment system.
Farmers are receiving payments through registered bank accounts, mobile money and other approved electronic payment platforms, ensuring timely access to funds after delivering their produce.
As the buying exercise continues, FRA officials are inspecting all deliveries to ensure that only maize meeting the required Grade A quality standards is accepted.
The Agency says the quality assurance process is aimed at maintaining Zambia's strategic grain reserves while providing farmers with a reliable market and prompt payment for their produce.
Source:
Food Reserve Agency (FRA)