By Sharon Siame
Food Reserve Agency –FRA- Board Chairperson SURESH DESAI says the Agency is paying farmers for the maize they supplied, but a huge backlog is causing delays in processing payments.
Mr. DESAI says the preferred method of paying farmers across the counter has become overwhelmed by the large number of farmers and the volume of money involved.
He said this when he officially opened the 2026 FRA Strategic Planning and Budgeting Meeting in Lusaka today.
Mr. DESAI has called on the Agency to develop more efficient channels for paying farmers.
He noted that the situation in which some farmers have been paid while others are still waiting is causing frustration.
Mr. DESAI also urged the Agency to utilise funds allocated to it carefully and avoid extravagant spending.
Meanwhile, Mr. DESAI announced that JUSTIN CHUUNKA has been appointed Executive Director of the FRA with effect from November 20, 2025.
And Mr. CHUUNKA said all purchased stocks are safely stored within the Agency’s premises, adding that transportation of stock from remote areas is ongoing to ensure accessibility during the rainy season.
