Agriculture

FRA Pays Farmers Over K6 Billion

The Food Reserve Agency –FRA- has, as of Friday, August 28, 2026,...

By Arnold Tutu Zambia24 Published 29 August 2026, 17:33 CAT • 29 Aug 2026 2 min read

By Ruth Chayinda

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

FRA Executive Director JUSTIN CHUUNKA has also disclosed that the agency has purchased more than one million metric tonnes of maize since the opening of the crop marketing season on August 20, 2026.

Mr. CHUUNKA says the agency remains committed to the Presidential directive to pay farmers within three days of supplying their crops, provided they submit accurate personal and banking details.

He told ZNBC News in an interview that some farmers have experienced delays after supplying crops using names that differ from those on their banking details.

Lakatips

Mr. CHUUNKA said the agency is working to resolve such challenges through its payment processing systems.

He thanked the Government for providing financial support to the agency, saying this has enabled it to make timely payments to farmers.

Mr. CHUUNKA also commended commercial banks for supporting the agency with financing and facilitating payments to farmers.

Meanwhile, Mr. CHUUNKA said the FRA is expanding its storage capacity across the country to accommodate the grain being purchased.

He said the Zambia National Service and Zambia Air Force are assisting the agency to accelerate the construction of additional storage facilities in various parts of the country.

Mr. CHUUNKA said the FRA has so far purchased more than 100,000 metric tonnes of rice against a target of 300,000 metric tonnes.

Source: Zambia24 — Read more

farmer farmers food reserve agency