“To address the issue of moisture, my government will invest in maize dryers. This will ensure farmers sell their maize without unnecessary delays and receive payment for their hard work. Our farmers deserve better,” Mundubile said during the campaign rally.

Modernising grain handling

The Tonse Pamodzi Alliance-backed presidential candidate said Zambia’s agricultural sector required modern infrastructure that would reduce post-harvest losses while allowing farmers to market their produce more efficiently.

According to Mundubile, introducing commercial grain drying facilities would enable the FRA and other grain buyers to process maize more quickly, even during seasons when harvested grain contains high moisture levels.

Agricultural experts have long noted that maize harvested with excessive moisture requires drying before long-term storage to prevent mould, deterioration and aflatoxin contamination.

Modern grain dryers can significantly reduce drying time and enable buyers to begin procurement earlier than relying solely on natural sun drying.

Farmers await FRA buying programme

Food Reserve Agency-FRA Board Chairperson Suresh Desai

The issue has become increasingly significant after the FRA announced that it was unable to begin purchasing maize immediately because moisture levels remained above the required threshold.

The announcement has disappointed many farmers who have been waiting for the Agency to commence purchases and announce its floor price for the 2026 marketing season.

Several farming stakeholders have expressed concern that continued delays could affect farmers’ cash flow, particularly as many are preparing for the next agricultural season and need income to meet production costs.

Agriculture at the centre of campaigns

Agriculture has emerged as one of the key issues in the campaign ahead of the August 13 General Election, with both the ruling UPND and the opposition outlining different approaches to supporting farmers.

President Hakainde Hichilema has defended his government’s agricultural policies, pointing to increased support under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), expanded irrigation initiatives and efforts to improve food security.

Meanwhile, Mundubile has promised reforms that include timely payments to farmers, increased fertiliser allocations, improved agricultural extension services and investments in modern infrastructure such as grain drying facilities.

With Zambia expecting a significantly improved maize harvest this season, farmers are now awaiting both the FRA’s announcement of the maize buying price and the commencement of purchases, developments that are expected to have a major impact on the country’s agricultural sector and rural economy.