PRESIDENT HICHILEMA ASSURES FARMERS OF PAYMENT WITHIN 3 DAYS OF GRAIN DELIVERY

MPIKA – President Hakainde Hichilema has issued a strong assurance to farmers across Zambia, committing that the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) will process payments for delivered grain within a strict three-day timeframe. This directive, articulated during a recent engagement in Mpika, Muchinga Province, signals a decisive move by the government to address one of the most persistent challenges faced by the nation's agricultural sector: delayed payments for produce. For years, Zambian farmers, particularly smallholder producers, have grappled with protracted payment delays from the FRA, often extending to several months or even a full agricultural season. Such delays have severely hampered their ability to reinvest in inputs for subsequent planting seasons, settle debts, and meet their household needs, ultimately undermining food security and agricultural growth. President Hichilema's pledge, therefore, is not merely a procedural adjustment but a critical intervention designed to restore confidence and inject much-needed liquidity into the farming community. The President underscored the government's commitment to supporting farmers as the backbone of Zambia's economy. He emphasized that timely payments are essential for empowering farmers to plan effectively, procure necessary fertilisers and seeds, and improve their farming techniques. This move is expected to incentivise increased production, particularly of staple crops like maize, thereby strengthening the country's strategic food reserves and reducing reliance on imports. The FRA, as the primary buyer of strategic food reserves, plays a pivotal role in market stability and farmer welfare. Agricultural experts and farmer associations have long advocated for more efficient payment systems, highlighting that predictable and prompt payments are crucial for sustainable agricultural development. The President's announcement is likely to be met with cautious optimism, as farmers will be keen to see the promise translat