The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has exceeded its initial target for maize purchases, amassing a significant stockpile to ensure national food security. As of August 28, 2024, the FRA had procured a total of 423,848 metric tons (MTs) of non-GMO white maize, surpassing its original goal of 300,000 MTs.
This achievement, according to FRA Public Relations Coordinator John Chipandwe, is a direct response to the drought that has impacted parts of the country. “The government directed us to increase our purchases to adequately replenish national strategic food reserves,” Chipandwe explained in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times.
The FRA’s aggressive buying spree has not come without a cost. As of August 28, the agency had spent a staggering K2.797 billion on maize purchases, far exceeding its initial budget. However, Chipandwe emphasized that the investment is worth it, given the critical role maize plays in Zambia’s food security.
“Maize is our staple crop, and ensuring its availability is a top priority for the government,” Chipandwe said. “By purchasing more maize, we are mitigating the risk of food insecurity and ensuring that no one goes hungry.”
The FRA is now calling on farmers in the northern parts of Zambia, which have not been as severely affected by the drought, to sell their excess produce to the agency. “The north is the food basket of the country,” Chipandwe noted. “We need farmers there to be patriotic and help us restock our reserves.”
With a substantial maize stockpile in place, the FRA is optimistic about Zambia’s food security prospects. “We believe that this will go a long way in curbing the risk of hunger and ensuring that everyone has access to food,” Chipandwe concluded.
