The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has targeted to purchase 13, 000 metric tons of white Maize during the 2026 crop marketing season in Chinsali District in Muchinga Province.
Acting Chinsali District Commissioner Brenda Silwembe says FRA will be buying non-genetically modified grade A white maize and Paddy Rice through satellite depots that will be set up.
Ms Silwembe made these remarks in a phone interview with the media today.
“As a district we have a purchase target of 13, 000 metric tons of maize and 47.62 metric tones of paddy rice,” she stated
Ms Silwembe indicated that the crop purchase exercise is an important national exercise that will ensure continuation of both household and national food security.
She added that the national strategic food reserves play a critical role in ensuring national food security especially now in the wake of climate change.
“This exercise acts as a buffer during critical times of national food emergencies such as drought,” she added.
Ms Silwembe further explained the prime function of a national strategic reserve is to provide a first line buffer and defense in the event of a food emergency such as drought or floods.
