Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has purchased 28,495 metric tonnes of maize in Northern Province, as the 2026 crop marketing season continues.
The purchased maize is equivalent to about 569,900 by 50-kilogram bags.
Northern Province Acting Permanent Secretary, Beauty Undi-Phiri revealed that the maize had been purchased as of 9th August, 2026.
Ms. Phiri further disclosed that the Agency received K200 million in funding to support maize purchases from farmers across the province.
“First K100 million was received at the beginning of the marketing season and has since been fully disbursed to facilitate maize purchases,” she said.
“A further K100 million was received on 8th August, 2026, of which K10 million has so far been disbursed to support ongoing purchases.”
Ms. Undi-Phiri made the remarks when she visited Chipya, Kanyata Satellite Depot in Mungwi District and Musa Satellite Depot in Kasama District, to assess the progress of maize purchases.
She assured farmers that Government remains committed to purchasing their maize and has put adequate resources in place to support the crop marketing exercise.
“This year’s maize purchasing programme has been strengthened in response to concerns raised by farmers during previous marketing seasons,” Ms. Undi-Phiri stated.
Ms. Undi-Phiri also encouraged farmers to continue delivering their maize to FRA buying centres, assuring them of Government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and efficient marketing process.
Meanwhile, farmers hailed Government for ensuring timely payments for maize delivered to the Food Reserve Agency during the 2026 crop marketing season.
“Prompt payments have increased our confidence in the Government’s maize purchasing programme,” the farmers said. The farmers stated they were able to access their money shortly after delivering their produce to FRA buying centres.
