Luapula farmers assured of government resolve to buy all maize harvested

Government has assured farmers in Luapula Province that every bag of maize harvested this season will be purchased by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), despite reports of delays at some satellite depots.

The assurance was made by Luapula Province Minister, Nason Musonda, during a visit to the FRA satellite depot in Kalaba area of Mansa District, according to Provincial Principal Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Maseko.

Musonda, in a statement issued in Mansa on Monday, acknowledged that the overwhelming maize harvest—driven by the New Dawn Government’s supportive agricultural policies—had temporarily strained storage and logistical capacity.

He disclosed that the country had already surpassed 3.6 million metric tonnes of maize production this season, with FRA having purchased over 1.2 million metric tonnes nationally.

“The sight of so much maize is a good story for Luapula and for Zambia. It is a testament to the hard work of our farmers and the supportive environment created by President Hakainde Hichilema. I am aware that some of our farmers have been waiting,” Musonda said.

He urged farmers to exercise patience, noting that the FRA price of K340 per 50kg bag remained the most attractive on the local market.

To ease congestion and accelerate the buying process, Musonda announced the establishment of a central depot in Mansa’s Central Business District to create additional capacity.

“I have also taken personal charge of the matter and will meet with the provincial team to ensure a more efficient exercise going forward,” he stated.

With the rainy season expected to begin in mid-October, Musonda stressed that all maize in depots would be collected and secured before then to prevent post-harvest losses.

He further urged farmers to prioritise household food security before selling their produce.

“While we are encouraging you to sell your maize, please remember to keep enough for your families. Securing your household’s food needs is the first step towards securing the nation’s food security,” he said.

Musonda reaffirmed that the Provincial Administration remained committed to supporting agriculture as the backbone of Luapula’s economy, in line with President Hichilema’s directive of attaining 10 million metric tonnes of maize production by 2030.

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