FRA Pays Farmers K3 Million Within 24 Hours of Depot Opening

The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) says every farmer who supplied maize in the first day of trading has already been paid, just 24 hours after its buying depots opened across the country.

The agency opened 1,749 satellite depots nationwide on Wednesday, marking the start of the 2026 crop marketing season. In an interview with ZNBC News, FRA Executive Director Justin Chuunka said more than K3 million had been disbursed for the 467.35 metric tonnes of maize purchased on the opening day.

Mr Chuunka said the speed of payment reflected the agency's drive to settle farmers quickly, noting that those who delivered grain had already received their money. The rapid turnaround is intended to reassure growers and encourage early deliveries, after concerns in previous seasons over delayed payments.

He urged farmers across the country to continue taking their crop to the depots, adding that the buying process was running smoothly. Satellite management committees have been put in place to oversee operations at each site, ensuring orderly purchasing and accurate record-keeping.

The FRA has set a floor price of K347 per 50kg bag for the 2026 season and is targeting the purchase of at least 500,000 metric tonnes of maize. Prompt payment, delivered through a digital system, is central to the agency's strategy of strengthening confidence among smallholder farmers and supporting national food security.

Mr Chuunka said the agency remained ready to buy throughout the season and would maintain its commitment to paying farmers without delay.