The Food Reserve Agency has paid out K200 million to farmers in Kaoma District following the purchase of maize delivered under the 2025 marketing season, providing a significant liquidity boost to farming households and local businesses in the area.
According to officials, the payments cover maize supplied by both individual farmers and cooperatives who sold their produce to the agency at designated depots. The FRA said the disbursement forms part of its ongoing nationwide exercise to settle obligations to farmers promptly after crop deliveries.
Local authorities in Kaoma confirmed that the payments had begun reflecting in farmers’ accounts, easing financial pressure that often follows the harvest period. Farmers who spoke to the Daily Mail welcomed the payout, saying the funds would help them meet household needs, service debts incurred during the farming season and prepare for the next planting cycle.
The FRA purchases maize annually to maintain the national strategic food reserve, stabilise the market and support small-scale producers. Officials said timely payments remain critical to sustaining farmer confidence in the programme and encouraging continued participation in future marketing seasons.
In Kaoma, maize remains a key crop and a primary source of income for many rural households. The injection of K200 million is expected to have a ripple effect on the local economy, benefiting traders, transporters and service providers who depend on farm incomes.
FRA officials said the agency had prioritised clearing outstanding payments in districts where deliveries were completed early and verification processes concluded. They added that efforts were being made to ensure that all eligible farmers countrywide receive their dues without unnecessary delay.
Government has in recent years placed emphasis on improving FRA efficiency, including faster verification of deliveries and digitalisation of payment systems. Authorities say these measures are aimed at reducing bottlenecks that previously resulted in delayed farmer payments.
Farmers in Kaoma said delays in past seasons had affected their ability to reinvest in agriculture and meet basic needs. Some said timely payments restore confidence in government programmes and allow farmers to plan more effectively.
Agricultural stakeholders note that prompt FRA payments play a role beyond individual households. They contribute to rural economic stability, help reduce post-harvest distress sales and support food security objectives.
The K200 million payout comes at a time when farming communities are preparing for the next agricultural season amid rising input costs. Access to cash enables farmers to purchase seed, fertiliser and other inputs in advance, reducing reliance on credit.
FRA officials reiterated that the agency remains committed to its mandate of safeguarding food security while supporting farmers through predictable and transparent operations. They urged farmers to continue delivering maize through official channels to avoid exploitation by briefcase buyers.
The payment programme continues in other districts, authorities say lessons from Kaoma will inform improvements in future maize marketing seasons, with the goal of strengthening trust between farmers and the agency
