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The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has received about 6,080.73 metric tonnes of white maize from commercial farmers contracted to grow the commodity under the Early Maize Programme.
This followed the launch of the Early Maize Programme harvest last month by President Hakainde Hichilema.
FRA Public Relations Coordinator, John Chipandwe, said 55 commercial farmers were contracted to grow maize as a response to the drought situation Zambia was currently facing.
Chipandwe in a statement issued on Sunday said the over 6,000 metric tonnes of non-genetically modified Grade A white maize, equivalent to more than 121,000 Kilogramme bags of white maize had been delivered to the FRA.
“The Agency targets to purchase a total of 146,000 metric tonnes under the Early Maize Programme and as at April 19, 2024, 6,070. 73 metric tonnes of maize was delivered. The balance is expected to be delivered by end of June this year,” he said.
Chipandwe noted that the programme was anticipated to boost maize production by encouraging commercial farmers to engage in both rain-fed and irrigated early maize production.
The Early Maize Programme, initiated by government through the Ministry of Agriculture and FRA as a recipient, is aimed at replenishing national strategic food reserves to ensure sustained national food security.
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