By 
The Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU) has criticised the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) for failing to announce maize and paddy rice buying prices for the 2026/2027 crop marketing season, warning that the delay was leaving farmers vulnerable to exploitation and financial uncertainty.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, ZNFU president, Zvhikonyo Mahombe, said farmers had expected the FRA to announce its purchase prices during its recent crop marketing briefing, particularly following President Hakainde Hichilema’s guidance and the country’s record maize harvest this season.
Mahombe said Zambia was projected to produce about five million metric tonnes of maize, making it critical for the FRA to provide a clear pricing signal to guide the market.
“The failure to announce the marketing prices has left producers, many of whom depend on the Agency as the buyer of last resort, exposed to price volatility, exploitation and cash-flow stress during a critical post-harvest period,” he said.
Read more: Catholic church raises concern over delayed FRA payments to farmers in Eastern Province
Mahombe said although the union supported the FRA’s decision to buy only maize with a moisture content of 12.5 percent or below to maintain grain quality, the buying price should have been announced alongside the quality requirements.
He said the FRA’s purchase price was an important benchmark that influenced grain trading across the country, adding that delays created uncertainty for farmers and the wider market.
The union had called on the FRA to immediately announce buying prices for maize and paddy rice, publish a clear timetable for crop purchases and payments, and strengthen engagement with farmer organisations.
Mahombe said timely market support was essential following what he described as a successful farming season.
“The farming community delivered a national success this season. It is imperative that policy implementation and market support follow promptly to preserve that achievement and safeguard rural communities and future bumper harvests,” he said.
ZNFU also welcomed FRA’s planned introduction of digital payments through bank accounts and mobile money platforms but maintained that prompt price announcements were necessary to help farmers make informed decisions on the marketing, storage and transportation of their produce.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments