The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has increased the buying price for white maize by K20 for a 50-kilogram bag. The revision brings the prices to K180 from K160 which was announced on June 16, 2022.
FRA Board Chairperson, Kelvin Hambwezya says the revision has been done in view of the current market dynamics.
Mr Hambwezya said that the revision is premised on ensuring that farmers recover their production costs especially in striking a balance with those that did not benefit from the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).
He told ZNBC News today that the agency expects the revised price to boost Maize production and improved productivity amongst Small Scale Farmers for the upcoming and future agriculture seasons.
Mr Hambwezya said this will also guarantee increased income and diversified opportunities in Agricultural Trade and value chains both locally and regionally.
He has also assured farmers that the Agency will operate at least 1 257 satellite depots across the country, as was the case last year.
Mr. Hambwezya revealed that the recruitment and training of buyers have started with satellite depots expected to be opened by next week Wednesday during which purchase of the three designated crops namely White Maize, Soya Beans and Paddy Rice will commence.
Why is government overburdening itself? Where will the money come from?
Hahaha nothing is working out under this government. Cost of living up and prices are going up. We warned you. Continue suffering until 2026
AND UNDER PF WE DIDNT SUFFER ??
BRING ON 2026 MAYBE WHEN THEY GET ANOTHER 5 YEARS SOME WILL SH*UT UP
Still not enough. No maize for me this year.
At least this will mean a lot for the farmer
FRA will only feel the impact of their decision when they enter the market, especially on the DRC corridor. They might not buy anything. It’s only farmers in difficult terrains that might sell to FRA because of impassable roads.
Zambian farmers are free to form co-operatives and collectively ship their maize produce to the DRC where the selling price per 90kg bag is almost double the FRA floor price.
The FRA can only buy enough to cover the countries strategic reserves. The extra stocks need to be exported by the farmers themselves.
The DRC has a population of 105 million people( 5 times that of Zambia) and it needs food.