Climate-Smart Agriculture and Climate Resilience Expert, Dr. […]

Climate-Smart Agriculture and Climate Resilience Expert, Dr. Oliver Kandela Bulaya has questioned why maize moisture content should delay the announcement of the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) floor price for the 2026/2027 crop marketing season.

Speaking during a media briefing on 13 July, FRA Board Chairperson, Suresh Desai said that while the Agency is ready to commence maize purchases, buying can only begin once grain moisture content falls to the required 12.5% storage standard to prevent spoilage and aflatoxin contamination.

According to the Agency, the latest nationwide moisture survey recorded maize moisture levels ranging between 13.57% and 18.14%, prompting the postponement of procurement despite logistical preparations already being completed.

Desai also disclosed that consultations on maize and paddy rice buying prices are still underway, with the official floor prices expected to be announced once the consultation process is concluded.

Meanwhile, speaking in an interview with Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Dr. Bulaya questioned why the issue of moisture content should stand in the way of announcing the maize floor price, saying the two processes serve different purposes.

“While welcoming this development, I remain concerned over the prolonged uncertainty surrounding maize moisture content assessments and the continued delay in announcing the FRA floor price,” he said.

Dr. Bulaya added that although maintaining acceptable moisture content is essential for protecting the Strategic Food Reserve, FRA should adopt a proactive communication approach by providing regular updates to farmers instead of waiting until concerns are raised before issuing official statements.

He further argued that the floor price serves as an important planning and investment signal for farmers and should, wherever possible, be communicated in a timely manner even as moisture assessments continue.

Meanwhile, Dr. Bulaya observed that it raises important policy questions when FRA indicates that price negotiations are still ongoing while the delay is simultaneously being attributed to moisture content assessments.

“This dual explanation has created uncertainty among farmers, particularly when private grain buyers are already actively purchasing maize across the country,” he said.

Dr. Bulaya urged FRA to provide greater clarity on the relationship between price negotiations, moisture testing and procurement timelines, stressing that predictable policies, timely communication, transparent pricing mechanisms and efficient procurement remain critical to strengthening farmer confidence and safeguarding Zambia’s long-term food security.

Article by Phillip Sinkala