FRA Surpasses Maize Target, Pays Farmers Over K3.4 Billion

The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has so far disbursed more than K3.4 billion to farmers for grain purchases during the ongoing 2026 crop marketing season, as the agency exceeds its buying targets.

The FRA has purchased 680,914 metric tonnes of Grade A white maize, comfortably surpassing its initial target of 500,000 metric tonnes for the season. It has also bought paddy rice since its satellite depots opened on 29 July 2026, working towards a target of 10,000 metric tonnes.

With maize pegged at K347 per 50 kilogrammes and paddy rice at K300 per 40 kilogrammes, the agency has taken in maize worth K4.73 billion so far, a figure that will rise further once the rice target is met. In a statement, the FRA confirmed that payments to farmers are ongoing.

Board Chairperson Suresh Desai said the newly procured maize, combined with carry-over stock of 1.455 million metric tonnes from the previous season, had lifted the national stock position beyond two million metric tonnes, guaranteeing food security. He said the agency would remain on the market throughout the gazetted marketing period, which runs from 1 May to 31 October, to give farmers continued access.

Mr Desai also hailed the success of the FRA's new digital payment system, which uses mobile money and direct bank transfers. "This payment system has worked extremely well and has enabled the agency to make prompt payments to farmers," he said, adding that satellite depot committees had further improved service delivery.