FRA 2025 crop marketing season closes

says it has recorded highest maize purchase in history

By GIDEON NYENDWA

THE Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has announced that it has officially closed the 2025 crop marketing season, with a record-breaking year in maize procurement, stating that all designated satellite depots across the country would close today.
As of October 27, 2025, FRA had bought 1, 659, 368 metric tonnes (MT) of Grade A white maize equivalent to 33, 187, 360 x 50kg bags the highest maize purchase in its history.
Additionally, FRA procured 252.3MT of paddy rice, translating to 6, 308 x 40kg bags.

FRA attributed the record purchase to the exceptional performance of Zambian farmers, who collectively produced nearly four million metric tonnes of maize, another national record.
FRA acting Executive Director Justin Chuunka praised farmers for their resilience and hard work despite challenges in the agricultural sector.

“The board and management commend the farmers for their dedication, which has resulted in the highest maize production ever recorded in Zambia,” said Mr. Chuunka.
He also expressed appreciation to the government under the ruling UPND, citing its “progressive interventions and innovations” that have continued to transform and modernise the agricultural sector.
Mr. Chuunka also disclosed that in the past one and a half months, nearly K3 billion had been released to commercial banks to facilitate timely payment to farmers.

He said the agency had enhanced the welfare of rural households by increasing disposable income and improving livelihoods.
FRA also commended the Ministry of Agriculture for its collaboration through the Farmer Input Support Programme which has enabled farmers to access inputs on time and prepare for the upcoming 2026 farming season.
“As the 2025 crop marketing season closes, the planning for the 2026 season is already underway,” Mr. Chuunka added, assuring farmers of the agency’s continued commitment to sustaining national food security.