The Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU) has expressed concern over the Food Reserve Agency’s (FRA) failure to announce buying prices for maize and paddy rice for the 2026/2027 marketing season.
In a statement issued by ZNFU President Zvhikonyo Mahombe, the Union says it was disappointed that the Agency did not reveal the prices during a press briefing held on July 13, despite expectations from farmers and guidance from President Hakainde Hichilema.
Mr. Mahombe says the delay comes after farmers produced a record maize harvest of five million metric tonnes, adding that FRA’s buying price plays a critical role in influencing market prices.
He has warned that the absence of an official price has left farmers, many of whom rely on the FRA as the buyer of last resort, vulnerable to price volatility, exploitation by private buyers and cash-flow challenges during the post-harvest period.
The Union, however says it has supported the Agency’s insistence that maize purchased for the strategic food reserve should meet the required moisture content of below 12.5 percent, saying quality standards are essential.
Mr. Mahombe says It noted that any buying price should be conditional on compliance with the prescribed moisture and quality requirements.
ZNFU has since called on the FRA to immediately announce buying prices for maize and paddy rice for the 2026/2027 marketing season, with clear conditions linked to quality standards.
The Union has also urged the Agency to provide a timetable for crop purchases and payment terms to help farmers plan storage, logistics and marketing. It welcomed the planned use of mobile money and bank account payments.
Further, ZNFU called for greater transparency from the FRA, urging the Agency to explain the reasons behind the delay and engage farmer representatives before making final decisions.
By Samuel Khwawe
