The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has announced that it has completed all major preparations for the 2026 Crop Marketing Season and is ready to begin purchasing crops from farmers across Zambia. The agency will officially start buying maize once harvested grain reaches the required moisture content for safe long term storage. This announcement comes as Zambia prepares for what is expected to be the largest maize harvest in the country’s history. The anticipated bumper harvest is expected to strengthen national food security while creating new opportunities for exports and economic growth. The FRA’s readiness reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring farmers have a reliable market for their produce during the upcoming marketing season.
Speaking on the agency’s preparedness, FRA Board Chairperson Hon. Suresh Desai highlighted the significant progress made ahead of the 2026 Crop Marketing Programme. According to projections, Zambia is expected to produce an impressive 5.1 million metric tonnes of maize during the 2025/2026 agricultural season. If achieved, this will become the highest maize production ever recorded in the country’s history. The projected harvest demonstrates the continued growth of Zambia’s agricultural sector and the success of efforts aimed at increasing crop production. Such a milestone is expected to improve food availability while positioning Zambia as an important supplier of maize within the region.
The expected record harvest carries important benefits for both farmers and consumers. Increased maize production is expected to strengthen the country’s food reserves and provide sufficient supplies to meet domestic demand. Beyond ensuring food security, the surplus maize is also expected to create export opportunities that could generate additional foreign exchange earnings for Zambia. A successful export programme would further support the agricultural sector while contributing to broader economic development. The anticipated surplus also provides a solid foundation for the smooth implementation of the 2026 Crop Marketing Programme.
To prepare for the buying season, the Food Reserve Agency has completed a wide range of operational activities designed to ensure efficient crop procurement across the country. The agency has established 1,749 buying depot sites where farmers will be able to deliver their maize and paddy rice. It has also recruited 3,498 buying depot clerks who will oversee purchasing operations and another 3,498 security guards to safeguard both staff and grain stocks. In addition, grain bags and other essential marketing materials have already been distributed to districts nationwide. These preparations are expected to help minimize delays and improve service delivery throughout the marketing season.
The FRA has made it clear that crop purchases will only begin once harvested maize meets the prescribed moisture content of 12.5 percent or below. Maintaining the correct moisture level is essential for preserving grain quality during long term storage and preventing spoilage caused by mold or excessive moisture. By enforcing these quality standards, the agency aims to protect the country’s strategic grain reserves while ensuring that purchased maize remains suitable for future use. Farmers are therefore encouraged to properly dry their maize before delivering it to buying depots. Compliance with these standards will help ensure faster processing and acceptance of their produce.
Another important aspect of the upcoming crop marketing season is the determination of buying prices for maize and rice. The Food Reserve Agency has confirmed that consultations are currently underway with relevant stakeholders to establish fair and sustainable prices. These discussions involve balancing the interests of farmers, consumers and the broader economy. Once the consultation process has been completed, the official buying prices will be announced. Farmers across Zambia are eagerly awaiting the announcement as it will help them plan their sales and estimate their expected income from this year’s harvest.
The FRA is also introducing a fully digital payment system for the 2026 Crop Marketing Season in an effort to improve efficiency and reduce payment delays. Under the new arrangement, all purchases of maize and paddy rice will be paid through an online digital payment platform. Farmers intending to sell their grain to the agency have been advised to submit either their bank account details or mobile money account information to their nearest FRA district office. This move is expected to make transactions faster, more secure and more transparent. Digital payments will also reduce the risks associated with handling large amounts of cash while improving financial accountability.
The introduction of digital payments reflects Zambia’s broader efforts to modernize agricultural services and improve access to financial technology for rural communities. Faster payments will allow farmers to receive their earnings more quickly, enabling them to reinvest in their farming operations or meet household financial needs without unnecessary delays. The system is also expected to reduce administrative challenges and improve record keeping throughout the crop purchasing process. As more public institutions adopt digital financial services, farmers stand to benefit from greater convenience and improved access to formal financial systems. These developments represent an important step toward creating a more efficient agricultural marketing environment.
The Food Reserve Agency also acknowledged the role played by the Zambian government and stakeholders within the agriculture sector in achieving the country’s strong production outlook. According to the agency, ongoing policy reforms have contributed significantly to increased agricultural output while also helping reduce the prices of essential food commodities, including mealie meal. These reforms have supported farmers through improved agricultural policies and strengthened confidence within the sector. Continued collaboration between government institutions, farmers and private sector stakeholders is expected to sustain this positive momentum in future farming seasons. Increased productivity also strengthens Zambia’s resilience against food shortages and external market challenges.
With operational preparations complete and a record maize harvest on the horizon, the Food Reserve Agency is well positioned to deliver a successful 2026 Crop Marketing Season. The establishment of buying depots, recruitment of staff, adoption of digital payment systems and ongoing price consultations demonstrate the agency’s commitment to serving farmers efficiently. The projected harvest of 5.1 million metric tonnes represents a major milestone for Zambia’s agricultural sector and highlights the country’s growing capacity to achieve food security while expanding export opportunities. As farmers prepare to begin delivering their crops once the required moisture standards are met, the upcoming marketing season is expected to benefit producers, consumers and the national economy alike. The FRA’s readiness marks an important step toward ensuring that Zambia’s record harvest is managed effectively and contributes to sustainable agricultural growth.