By White Luhanga
The Food Reserve Agency-FRA- will purchase a minimum of 500,000 metric tonnes of white maize and 10,000 metric tonnes of paddy rice during the 2026/2027 crop marketing season.
FRA Secretary William Silwimba says the crop marketing exercise will run from May 1, 2026, to October 31, 2026, subject to market conditions.
Mr. Silwimba says the agency will open at least 1,700 satellite depots across 116 districts to facilitate the buying process and enhance accessibility for farmers.
He explains that farmers will deliver their produce to designated satellite depots, where FRA representatives will assess the quality and quantity before issuing Produce Receipt and Certification Notes as proof of sale.
In a Gazette notice, Mr. Silwimba said crop deliveries will be verified at main holding depots, after which payments will be processed.
He further said that FRA will this year pay farmers using digital electronic payment systems, although alternative methods may be considered to improve convenience.
ZNBC