FRA reportedly procures over K4 billion worth of maize during 2024 crop marketing season

The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has reportedly purchased 588,354 metric tonnes of non-GMO Grade A white maize, valued at over K4 billion, during this year’s crop marketing season.

According to FRA Public Relations Coordinator, John Chipandwe, the maize, equivalent to 11.8 million 50-kilogramme bags, was procured from the local market.

As of October 9, 2024, the agency claims to have paid out K3.07 billion to maize suppliers, representing a 73 percent completion rate.

“Farmers who have yet to receive payment are assured that the process is ongoing on a first-come, first-served basis based on maize deliveries to satellite depots,” Chipandwe said in a statement issued on Thursday.

“We extend our gratitude to the farmers who sold their maize to the government through FRA depots, as this has positively impacted efforts to replenish the National Strategic Food Reserves.”

He emphasized that the maize procurement would help ensure sustained national food security, with the stock serving as a buffer against risks such as droughts or floods.

In response to the ongoing drought situation, the FRA had employed several strategies to secure maize, beyond the traditional satellite depots.

These included purchasing through main depots nationwide, buying from grain traders, and engaging commercial farmers through the Early Maize Programme.

The stockpiled maize has been added to the National Food Reserves to bolster food security, Chipandwe said.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.