Government, through the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), has so far paid about 75 percent of farmers in Isoka District of Muchinga Province for the last marketing season, District Commissioner Jairo Simbeye, has disclosed.

Mr Simbeye says the payments are being effected to farmers who supplied maize to FRA depots across the district.

Speaking in a telephone interview with the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS), Mr Simbeye said the payment process is progressing well and assured that all outstanding payments will be concluded by January 31st, 2026.

“So far, about 75 percent of the farmers have been paid, and the remaining farmers will receive their payments by January 31st,” Mr Simbeye noted.

Farmers in the district have since acknowledged receiving payments and thanked the government for releasing the funds.

Idah Nvula, a farmer, said the payment would enable her to meet immediate family obligations.

“I am at the bank to collect my money, and I would like to thank the government because the payment will help me send my children to school and attend to other needs that require financial support,” Ms Nvula expressed.

Another farmer, Amos Kangwa, said despite the delayed payments, farmers were grateful that the government had honoured its commitment.

“The payments came late and some of our maize was affected, but we thank the government for eventually paying us. We hope that in future, funds will be released earlier to avoid delays,” Mr Kangwa stated.

Meanwhile, Lilian Nankamba, also a farmer in the district, thanked the government for both the payments and the maize price offered by FRA.

“We thank the government for paying us and for the price at which FRA was buying our maize, which is favourable. Although there were delays, we appreciate the support, including access to fertiliser on credit,” she stated.