FRA Defends maize buying policy.

LUSAKA – The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has received strong backing from agricultural experts and economists for its steadfast policy of rejecting high-moisture maize during its procurement exercises. This stance, according to various stakeholders, is not merely a bureaucratic hurdle but a critical safeguard designed to protect public funds and secure Zambia's strategic food reserves. The agency's commitment to quality standards is seen as a necessary measure to prevent spoilage and financial losses that would ultimately burden the Zambian taxpayer. Dr. Edify Hamukale, a former Marketing Manager at the FRA, articulated the rationale behind the policy, stating that acquiring maize with excessive moisture content is tantamount to squandering taxpayer resources. He emphasized that if such grain were to spoil in storage, the very citizens whose money was used for procurement would be the first to condemn the agency. Dr. Hamukale highlighted that the FRA's approach is rooted in scientific principles of grain preservation, rather than emotional considerations. This scientific adherence is vital, as maize with high moisture content is highly susceptible to fungal growth, including dangerous aflatoxins, which can compromise both food safety and the viability of the grain for future use. Economist Trevor Hambayi, while acknowledging the acceptability of the FRA's announced maize price, raised concerns regarding the quantity the agency plans to purchase. He cautioned that given the increasing climate risks facing Zambia, the nation cannot afford to maintain thin food reserves, as this could necessitate costly imports in times of scarcity. Zambia, heavily reliant on maize as its staple food, needs robust reserves to buffer against potential production shortfalls caused by erratic weather patterns. The FRA's role, established under the Food Reserve Act, is to manage the National Strategic Food Reserve and stabilize food prices, making adequate and quality-controlled stock para