ZAMBIA’s small-scale farmers are cashing in big after a record of maize harvest pushed the Food Reserve Agency (FRA)beyond its planned target.
So far, government has released K6.16 billion to farmers, with arrangements underway to pay the remaining balance.
Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo disclosed that 846,655 farmers delivered K1.7 million tonnes of maize, more than three times FRA’s original 543,000 tonne target.
According to Mtolo, the bumper crop, valued at K11.31 billion added an extra K7.62 billion to the initial budget.
Delivering a ministerial statement to Parliament yesterday, the minister said government allowed the extra maize to be deposited to ensure farmers received fair prices and to safeguard national grain reserves.
Of the K6.16 billion released so far, K4.88 billion has gone directly to farmers, with K1.27 billion covering operational and logistical costs,” said Mtolo.
“The crop marketing season, which run from June 30 to October 31 closed with all maize safely stored.”
“We encouraged our farmers to produce more and they responded to the call. Therefore, due to the overwhelming response from farmers, the bumper harvests obtained, the need to ensure that farmers got a fair price for their maize and the need to secure the maize obtained by the farmers,” stated Mtolo.
The minister also highlighted ongoing input distribution programmes as government continues to support farmers ahead of the next planting season.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba November 19, 2025
