Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa has called on Zambian farmers to prioritise selling their maize harvest to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) instead of private or briefcase buyers. Speaking during a press briefing on Sunday, Mweetwa emphasized that directing maize sales to FRA is vital for strengthening the country’s national food security.
The government has expressed concern that a significant number of farmers continue to sell maize to private grain dealers before fulfilling the FRA’s strategic reserve targets. This trend risks undermining efforts to build and maintain sufficient grain reserves to cushion against food shortages.
“We as government are concerned that quite a number of our people continue to sell maize to private grain buyers even before satisfying the requirement of FRA food docket in terms of maize,” Mweetwa said. “We’d like to urge all our farmers to give priority to selling maize to FRA, which is the National Strategic Food Reserve holder.”
By ensuring that FRA acquires adequate maize stock, Zambia can better stabilize prices, support vulnerable populations, and prepare for unforeseen supply shocks due to droughts, floods, or other disruptions. The Food Reserve Agency plays a critical role in purchasing, storing, and distributing maize to meet both emergency and regular food needs.
Mweetwa also highlighted that selling maize to FRA protects farmers from unscrupulous buyers who often exploit them with unfair prices or delayed payments. The government-backed agency offers more reliable transactions and contributes to a more transparent and regulated market.
In urging farmers to support the FRA, the government is seeking to balance individual profit motives with national interests, ensuring that Zambia’s food security remains robust and sustainable.
As the harvest season progresses, all eyes will be on maize sales trends and whether the government’s appeal translates into stronger stockpiles for the future. Prioritizing the FRA is positioned as a key step in building a resilient agricultural economy that benefits both producers and consumers across the country.