THE Food Reserve Agency (FRA) says it will purchase a minimum of 500,000 metric tonnes of maize and a minimum of 10,000 metric tonnes of paddy rice during the 2026/2027 marketing season. In a statement, FRA Secretary William Silwimba said this year’s crop marketing exercise, which commenced on May 1, 2026, will close on October 31, 2026, subject to market dynamics. Silwimba said at least 1,700 satellite depots will be opened in 116 districts. “Pursuant to Section 22 (3) of the Food Reserve Act Number 6 of 2020 of the Laws of Zambia, the Food Reserve Agency hereby announces its plan for purchases of designated agricultural commodities during the 2026/27 Marketing Season. This year’s Crop Marketing Exercise will commence on...