State House Makes Clarifications on FRA and CDF

Government has reiterated that the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) will maintain its core mandate of procuring and managing maize exclusively for national strategic reserves. Addressing public discourse surrounding agricultural policy, State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka clarified that ongoing adjustments do not signal a complete withdrawal of the agency from agricultural markets, but rather a strategic realignment to focus on food security. As part of the broader administrative strategy, the government is exploring the establishment of a dedicated, private sector-driven crop marketing entity. This proposed framework aims to facilitate seamless maize exports and stimulate commercial growth under the broader Grow Zambia Agenda. Officials emphasize that with national targets aiming for higher production thresholds, private sector involvement is critical to help absorb surplus yields, open up regional markets, and alleviate logistical pressures traditionally borne solely by state institutions. Turning to local governance and fiscal decentralization, State House also addressed mounting queries regarding the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Mr. Hamasaka firmly dismissed rumors of funding cuts, confirming that the statutory allocation remains intact at 40 million kwacha per constituency. He explained that recent adjustments reflect tactical realignments in fund disbursements, tailored strictly to the absorption capacity and specific developmental needs of individual constituencies. This clarification comes at a critical juncture when prudent fiscal management and transparent communication are paramount to maintaining public trust in government-led socio-economic interventions. By balancing aggressive agricultural expansion targets with disciplined budgetary execution, the administration seeks to reassure both farming communities and local authorities of its continued commitment to grassroots development and national food sovereignty.