FRA Pays Farmers Over K6 Billion

The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has paid out more than six billion kwacha to farmers for maize purchased during the current crop marketing season, as of Friday, August 28, 2026.

FRA Executive Director Justin Chuunka revealed that the agency has bought over one million metric tonnes of maize since the marketing season opened on August 20, 2026. He said the FRA remains firmly committed to the Presidential directive to pay farmers within three days of delivering their crops, provided they submit accurate personal and banking details.

Speaking to ZNBC News, Mr Chuunka acknowledged that some farmers had experienced delays after supplying maize under names that did not match those on their bank accounts. He said the agency was working to resolve these mismatches through its payment processing systems to ensure no farmer is left waiting.

He thanked the Government for the financial support extended to the agency, which he said had enabled timely payments, and commended commercial banks for providing financing and helping to process payments to farmers.

Mr Chuunka further disclosed that the FRA is expanding its storage capacity nationwide to accommodate the growing volumes of grain being purchased. He said the Zambia National Service and the Zambia Air Force were assisting the agency to fast-track the construction of additional storage facilities across the country.

On rice, Mr Chuunka said the agency had so far purchased more than 100,000 metric tonnes against a target of 300,000 metric tonnes.