By ZR Reporter
The Government has assured farmers that the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) will announce the 2026 maize floor price as soon as the grain reaches the required moisture content for safe storage.
Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana says the delay in announcing the floor price is aimed at protecting farmers’ investments, safeguarding public resources and ensuring national food security.
Mr. Kawana says the FRA purchases maize specifically for the national strategic food reserve and only accepts grain with a moisture content of 12.5 percent to prevent spoilage during long-term storage.
He explains that maize is currently drying more slowly than usual due to prevailing regional weather conditions and the onset of winter, which has brought colder temperatures and reduced sunshine.
Mr. Kawana says recent technical assessments indicate that maize in the Northern Region has a moisture content of about 18 percent because of the late end of the rainy season, while maize in Eastern Province it is averaging 15 percent following an earlier end to the rains.
He says buying maize at the current moisture levels would result in significant post-harvest losses and waste public funds.
Mr. Kawana has, however, assured farmers that the moisture content is reducing steadily and that the FRA is closely monitoring the situation before making the official floor price announcement.
He has thanked farmers for their patience and for their continued contribution to Zambia’s national food basket.
This is according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana.
Zambia Reports l 5th July, 2026.