24/07/2026
*FRA Sets Maize Price at K347 Per 50kg Bag, Introduces Digital Payments for Farmers*
Social Media Buzz
The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has announced that it will buy *non-genetically modified Grade A white maize at K347 per 50-kilogram bag* during the 2026 crop marketing season, while paddy rice will be purchased at *K300 per 40-kilogram bag*.
FRA Board Chairperson *Suresh Desai* said the prices were arrived at after consultations with farmers, grain traders, consumer associations and other stakeholders, with consideration given to production costs, market conditions, food security needs and the affordability of mealie meal.
The Agency will purchase *not less than 500,000 metric tonnes of maize*, with the possibility of buying more depending on market conditions and storage capacity.
FRA has announced that all *1,749 depots across the country will open on Wednesday, July 29, 2026*, with maize purchases only accepting grain with moisture content of *12.5 percent or below* to ensure quality and safe storage.
The Agency has also introduced a digital payment system, with farmers required to provide active bank accounts or mobile money wallets registered in their names. FRA says payments will be processed within *three days* to reduce delays and congestion at banks.
Mr. Desai assured farmers that FRA is financially prepared for the crop marketing season, dismissing claims that the Agency is bankrupt.
With the country projected to record a historic maize harvest of *5.1 million metric tonnes*, the FRA is holding more than *1.4 million metric tonnes in strategic reserves*, strengthening Zambia’s food security position.
