FRA Crop Pricing Plan Wins Stakeholder Approval

More agricultural stakeholders have endorsed the Food Reserve Agency's (FRA) 2026 crop buying prices, describing the modest increase and commitment to faster payments as a positive step for farmers.

The FRA has increased the purchase price of a 50kg bag of Grade A white maize to K347, up from K340 last season, while a 40kg bag of paddy rice has been set at K300. The agency has also pledged to pay farmers within three days of delivering their produce.

The Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) says the revised prices provide the stability farmers need to plan production and invest in their businesses.

ZNFU President Zvhikonyo Mahombe welcomed the 2% increase, saying the government's consistent approach to adjusting crop prices has encouraged increased agricultural production over the years.

Mr Mahombe also praised the commitment to timely payments, saying prompt settlements will improve farmers' cash flow and confidence in the marketing process.

The National Association for Smallholder Farmers (NASFA) has also backed the new prices, describing them as fair and capable of enabling farmers to recover their production costs.

NASFA Executive Director Frank Kayula said the proposed three-day payment period is equally significant, noting that quicker electronic payments will ease financial pressures on farmers while reducing risks associated with handling large amounts of cash.

Dr Kayula, however, advised farmers not to sell all their maize, urging them to keep some grain reserves for future needs, especially in view of the impact of the El Niño-induced drought.

Meanwhile, agriculture expert Edify Hamukale says the revised crop buying prices are unlikely to trigger higher food prices.

Dr Hamukale says stable exchange rates and easing inflation should help keep the prices of mealie meal, livestock feed, dairy products, beef and other agricultural commodities stable during the marketing season.