Government has assured members of the general public that the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) will announce the Maize Floor Price in the shortest possible time.

Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana, notes that the government is aware of concerns on the delayed announcement of the Maize Floor Price.

Mr Kawana explained that the delayment is due to the moisture content, which has not yet reached the desired buying stage for FRA.

He reminded that the FRA buys maize for strategic reserves and as such does so at a specific moisture content of 12.5.

Speaking at the ongoing Zambia International Trade Fair, FRA stand, the PS explained that due to the late exit of rains in the Northern Province, the maize moisture content is currently at 18.

Mr Kawana further added that due to the early exit of rains in Eastern Province, the maize moisture content currently stands at 15.

He further revealed that the other delay in announcing the floor price is being caused by the crossing over into the winter period, which causes the maize to dry at a slow rate, compared to the sunny days.

Mr Kawana, however, reaffirmed that the moisture content is going down and urged members of the public to remain calm, saying FRA is on course to ensure that information is given to the public as soon as possible.

President Hakainde Hichilema recently directed the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to ensure that the farmers are quickly provided with the Maize Floor Price.