Access Bank Zambia has confirmed the disbursement of more than K3 billion to 311,000 farmers under the Government’s Farmer Input Support Programme payment framework administered through the Food Reserve Agency.
The bank stated that the payments were processed across its branch network following coordination with the FRA and relevant government authorities to ensure timely settlement to beneficiaries. According to the bank, extended operating hours were implemented to manage volumes and reduce congestion during the peak payment period.
Access Bank said it adjusted weekday and weekend hours at selected branches to accommodate farmers, particularly in high-traffic agricultural regions. The bank added that payment schedules were aligned with lists provided by the FRA to ensure that farmers who delivered maize received funds within agreed timelines.
Officials indicated that internal systems were reinforced to handle transaction volumes efficiently while maintaining audit controls and reconciliation standards. The bank stated that verification processes were applied to confirm beneficiary identities and payment accuracy.
The FRA has relied on commercial banks to process payments following maize purchases, with the objective of supporting liquidity for small-scale and commercial farmers. Access Bank said the payment programme formed part of its broader participation in government-supported agricultural financing and service delivery.
Farmers in several districts reported receipt of funds through Access Bank branches, with some indicating that extended hours reduced waiting times. The bank said it continued to engage local authorities and farmer representatives to address operational challenges as they arose.
Access Bank reiterated its commitment to transparency, stating that payment records are subject to internal and external review in line with banking regulations. The bank added that it remains available to address queries from farmers regarding payment status through branch channels.
That sounds a little promising though the deadline has already passed..it seems like u cant be trusted but we’ll wait since we dnt av a choice
Deadline of 10th January already passed but over K2 billion still outstanding. What is the new deadline? And the deadline after that?
Access Bank=Election campaign bank
Ensure that the money is distributed as quickly as possible because we have passed through the difficult time. Our farming programmes are destroyed. As farmers we wanted to cultivated very much this year but we have failed because our plans are disturbed. Some farmers have not even done anything. So this year’s harvest will be very low. There will be hunger in this country this year if the government won’t take necessary measures to solve this situation. The money that we are going to be paid won’t take us anywhere because some of us farmers we are already in debts. We will be just returning the money where we borrowed from.