The Food Reserve Agency has announced that it has paid 99 percent of farmers who supplied maize to the agency, assuring stakeholders that the remaining outstanding payments are being addressed and will be concluded once verification processes are completed.
FRA officials said the payment exercise had largely been successful, with most farmers receiving their money through mobile money platforms. The agency explained that delays affecting a small number of farmers were linked to data verification issues rather than a lack of funds.
According to the agency, the verification process is necessary to ensure that payments are made to the correct beneficiaries and that records align with delivery documentation. FRA stated that some payments could not be processed immediately because of discrepancies in farmer details submitted during the delivery process.
The agency said issues such as mismatched names, incorrect mobile numbers, and incomplete registration details had contributed to the delays. It said these matters required correction before funds could be released, to prevent errors and safeguard public resources.
FRA emphasised that the outstanding cases represent a small fraction of the total number of farmers who delivered maize. The agency maintained that the 99 percent payment figure demonstrates government’s commitment to meeting its obligations to farmers within the agreed framework.
The agency further explained that the use of mobile money platforms was intended to improve efficiency, transparency, and speed in the payment process. It said the system allows farmers to receive payments directly without the need for physical cash handling, reducing delays and administrative challenges.
Government officials supporting the FRA position said the payment process was closely monitored to ensure accountability. They reiterated that funds for maize purchases had been made available and that payment delays were not caused by budgetary constraints.
The officials said farmers whose payments were still pending had been encouraged to engage with FRA offices to resolve verification issues. They said once discrepancies are corrected, payments would be processed without further delay.
FRA also urged farmers to ensure that their registration details are accurate and consistent across all documentation. The agency said proper documentation is critical to ensuring smooth processing of payments and avoiding future delays.
The agency said it remains committed to completing the payment exercise in full and assured farmers that no one who delivered maize would be excluded. Officials stated that all valid deliveries would be honoured once verification is finalised.
Government representatives said the payment of farmers is a priority because of the role agriculture plays in national food security and rural livelihoods. They said timely payments help farmers prepare for subsequent farming seasons and meet their financial obligations.
The officials further explained that challenges encountered during the payment process have provided lessons that will be applied in future procurement exercises. They said improvements would be made to registration and data capture processes to minimise verification problems.
FRA said it continues to engage farmers and stakeholders to address concerns and provide updates on the payment process. The agency maintained that transparency and communication are essential in maintaining trust with farmers.
The payment exercise forms part of government’s broader agricultural support framework, with the FRA playing a central role in managing strategic grain reserves and ensuring that farmers are paid for their produce.
Officials reiterated that the remaining payments would be completed once all verification issues are resolved, and they urged farmers affected by delays to remain patient as the process is finalised.
Credit/Source: News Diggers, Tuesday January 13, 2026
Congrat for helping farmers