FRA ACCUSED OF DELAYING MAIZE FLOOR PRICE ANNOUNCEMENT AS EXPERT WARNS FARMERS RISK LOSING OUT
Agricultural expert Tom Hansungule has criticised the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) for what he describes as a continued delay in announcing the 2026 maize floor price, calling the situation retrogressive and potentially harmful to farmers.
Mr Hansungule said Zambia currently has a strong maize supply balance, with production standing at just under five million metric tonnes, making the delay difficult to justify despite a directive from President Hakainde Hichilema for the Agency to announce the floor price.
He argued that under the Food Reserve Act No. 6 of 2020, FRA is mandated to safeguard the country’s strategic food reserves, but warned that the continued delay could result in private buyers purchasing large quantities of maize before farmers have guidance on a minimum selling price.
According to Mr Hansungule, while Southern Africa generally has adequate maize supplies, demand remains high in parts of East Africa, particularly Kenya and other countries that experienced poor harvests due to factors such as fertiliser shortages.
He claimed that buyers targeting these markets are already purchasing maize from Zambian farmers.
Mr Hansungule also questioned FRA’s concerns over high moisture content and aflatoxin levels, arguing that the Agency should strengthen food biosecurity programmes for farmers to help prevent such challenges instead of using them as reasons for delaying the process.
He further advised FRA to distinguish between announcing the maize floor price and the commencement of maize purchases, saying the two processes should not be treated as one.
“The announcement of the floor price allows farmers to make informed marketing decisions as they engage with private buyers,” he said
Mr Hansungule urged FRA to immediately announce the maize floor price, stating that farmers cannot continue holding onto their grain indefinitely while awaiting the Agency’s decision.