CENTRAL PROVINCE FARMERS URGED TO KEEP ENOUGH FOOD ON CLIMATE CONCERNS AS FRA SURPASSES MAIZE TARGET
Farmers in Zambia’s Central Province have been urged to keep enough maize for household consumption as the country prepares for a potentially dry 2026/27 farming season.
Central Province Principal Public Relations Officer, Tobias Phiri, says the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has so far bought 102,964.20 metric tonnes of Grade A non-GMO maize from farmers across the province.
Mr Phiri says the purchases have surpassed the government’s initial target of 40,000 metric tonnes by about 157 percent, as part of efforts to strengthen national food reserves and food security.
He says the maize was purchased through 139 satellite depots across seven districts, with Serenje recording the highest volume at 23,560 metric tonnes, followed by Kapiri Mposhi with 14,453.20 tonnes and Kabwe with 14,051.40 tonnes.
Chibombo has supplied 13,233.20 tonnes, while Luano and Chisamba have recorded 9,355.20 tonnes and 8,881.90 tonnes, respectively.
Mr Phiri says government has so far paid farmers about 90 million kwacha, with more payments being processed.
He has, however, advised farmers to retain adequate maize for their households instead of selling their entire harvest, amid projections of drought in the coming farming season.
The warning comes as El Niño conditions are expected to strengthen, raising concerns about rainfall and agricultural production in Zambia.
Mr Phiri says government remains committed to buying maize brought by farmers and ensuring that payments are made promptly, while measures are being taken to avoid long queues at depots.
By Best Jere
