FRA smashes maize purchase target

The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has shattered its initial procurement expectations in Central Province, recording an unprecedented surge in white maize purchases that exceeded its target by more than 150 percent. According to provincial public relations and administrative updates, the agency has successfully mopped up over 102,000 metric tonnes of Grade A non-GMO maize from local farmers, comfortably surpassing the initial blueprint projection of 40,000 tonnes. This robust harvest intake was distributed across 139 satellite depots spanning seven districts within the province. Serenje District emerged as the leading contributor, delivering a staggering 23,560 metric tonnes, followed closely by Kapiri Mposhi and Kabwe, which recorded 14,453 and 14,051 tonnes respectively. The remarkable turnout highlights both an exceptional farming season and the eagerness of smallholder farmers to engage with guaranteed government markets amidst fluctuating regional commodity prices. Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakampwe noted that the mopping-up operations have reached critical milestones, with several districts achieving up to 97 percent collection efficiency. Authorities have treated the secure transportation and storage of the grain as an urgent national priority. With early weather patterns hinting at approaching rains, provincial teams are engaged in a race against time to evacuate sacked maize from satellite depots to secure, permanent holding facilities to prevent post-harvest losses. Nationally, the FRA's aggressive procurement drive forms a core pillar of the government's broader strategy to fortify the National Strategic Food Reserve. Coming on the heels of previous season challenges regarding liquidity and logistical bottlenecks, the current exercise has benefited from streamlined disbursements and heightened vigilance by district commissioners. Officials maintain that these measures are vital not only for stabilizing national food security and contro