Government sets January 10 deadline for FRA farmer payments

RELIEF is on the horizon for Zambia’s maize farmers as government announces that all outstanding payments to Food Reserve Agency (FRA) suppliers will be cleared by January 10, 2026.

The delay in payments has frustrated farmers across the country, but government says funds are now flowing, with payments being made from financing institutions and ongoing maize sales.

Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane, assured farmers that no one will be left behind.

Dr Musokotwane also highlighted the broader impact of timely payments on national food security and economic stability, particularly as farmers prepare for the ongoing planting season.

“In the interim, the FRA will continue to receive funds from financing institutions alongside proceeds from ongoing maize sales, thereby enabling payments to be made on a rolling basis, in tranches. Farmers will therefore continue to receive their payments during this period, ahead of the final settlement date, January 10, 2026,” he said.

“As government, we recognise the importance of timely payments and the role these funds play in supporting households, sustaining livelihoods, and enabling preparations for the ongoing farming season,” added Dr Musokotwane.

The minister further reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring that every farmer is paid in full within the stated timeframe.