President Hakainde Hichilema Urges FRA to Announce 2026 Crop Marketing Price

President Hakainde Hichilema has called on the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to promptly announce the 2026 crop marketing price for maize and other strategic crops, a move aimed at giving farmers certainty and confidence as they prepare to sell their produce.

The President’s directive comes at a critical time when farmers across Zambia are eagerly awaiting the official floor price that will guide the 2026 crop marketing season. The announcement is expected to help farmers make informed decisions and protect them from exploitation by briefcase buyers who often take advantage of delays in price declarations.

Agriculture remains one of the key sectors driving Zambia’s economy, with thousands of small-scale farmers relying on maize production as their primary source of income. By ensuring that the FRA announces the buying price without delay, the government hopes to promote transparency and encourage increased agricultural productivity.

Stakeholders in the agricultural sector have welcomed the President’s call, noting that an early price announcement will allow farmers to plan effectively and reduce uncertainty in the market. Recently, farming organizations have also urged the FRA to expedite the process to prevent farmers from selling their produce at unfair prices.

The FRA is expected to play a central role during the 2026/2027 crop marketing season, with plans already in place to purchase significant quantities of maize from local farmers across the country. The agency’s intervention is aimed at supporting food security while ensuring that farmers receive fair value for their harvests.

As Zambia continues to prioritize agricultural development, farmers are hopeful that the forthcoming crop marketing price will reflect the rising cost of production and provide adequate incentives for increased maize production in future seasons.

Stay tuned for more updates as the FRA prepares to announce the official 2026 crop marketing price.