Gov’t Confirms Full Payment to Farmers for 2025 FRA Maize Purchases
The Government has confirmed that all farmers who supplied maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) during the 2025 crop marketing season have been fully paid, following the disbursement of more than K11.3 billion to banks for farmer payments.
Presenting a ministerial statement to the National Assembly, Minister of Agriculture Hon. Reuben Mtolo Phiri, MP, said the FRA initially planned to purchase 543,000 metric tonnes of maize at a cost of K3.69 billion.
However, due to bumper harvests and an overwhelming response from farmers, Government allowed continued deliveries to ensure fair pricing and secure farmers’ produce.
By the close of the marketing season, a total of 1,667,921.15 metric tonnes of maize valued at K11.31 billion had been supplied by 846,655 farmers nationwide, representing a 307 percent increase above the planned target.
The Minister told the House that as at 15 January 2026, Government had disbursed ZMW 11,348,474,100 to banks, leaving no outstanding balance in farmer payments.
On the management of surplus stocks, Hon. Phiri noted that Zambia recorded an exportable surplus of 501,621 metric tonnes in the 2024/2025 farming season. As at 31 December 2025, total maize exports stood at 202,876 metric tonnes, comprising both private sector and FRA exports, leaving a balance of 298,745 metric tonnes available for export.
He disclosed that Government has signed a Government-to-Government agreement with Malawi to export 200,000 metric tonnes of maize, with 37,143.17 metric tonnes already delivered as at 2 February 2026.
In addition, bilateral discussions are ongoing with the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has expressed interest in purchasing more than 500,000 metric tonnes of mealie meal from Zambia.
Looking ahead to the 2026 crop marketing season, the Minister said Government will prioritise digital payments directly into farmers’ bank and mobile money accounts to reduce over-the-counter transactions.
He also announced plans to operationalise a warehouse receipt system, enabling farmers and agro-dealers to use stored produce as collateral.
Hon. Phiri commended farmers, out-growers and agro-dealers for their productivity and patience, describing rural economies as a key driver of Zambia’s food security and economic growth.
He said Government will continue to strengthen market arrangements and export facilitation to support FRA cashflow and ensure preparedness for the next marketing season.
