MINISTER of Agriculture Reuben Mtolo Phiri says government has disbursed over K2 billion towards farmer payments, with the remaining balance being resolved through structured financial interventions. Phiri also says as of 31st October, 2025, the Food Reserve Agency had purchased 1,663,934 metric tonnes of white maize valued at K11,314,750,520. Speaking when he delivered a ministerial statement in Parliament, Tuesday, Phiri said government increased maize purchases due to a bumper harvest, resulting in a 306% rise in cost and farmer participation. “Madam Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to provide an update to this august House, and indeed to the nation, on the status of payments to farmers who supplied maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) during the 2025 crop...