HIGH MOISTURE LEVELS DELAY FRA MAIZE BUYING PROGRAMME

 

The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has announced that it will only commence maize purchases once the grain’s moisture content falls to the required threshold of 12.5 percent or below.

FRA Board Chairperson Suresh Desai said the agency is closely monitoring maize moisture levels across the country, noting that much of the grain currently available on the market remains above the acceptable standard for procurement.

“Moisture content in maize remains above the required level. We shall start buying immediately it drops to 12.5 percent or below,” Mr Desai said.

Moisture content refers to the amount of water contained in maize grain. It is one of the most important quality indicators used when assessing whether maize is ready for long-term storage. Newly harvested maize often contains high levels of moisture and must be properly dried before it can safely be stored.

When maize is stored with excessive moisture, it becomes vulnerable to mould growth, fungal contamination, heating, discoloration and rotting. High moisture levels may also encourage insect infestation and can lead to the production of harmful substances such as aflatoxins, which pose serious health risks to both humans and livestock.

Moist grain can also lose weight and quality during storage, resulting in financial losses for farmers, traders and the agency. In severe cases, entire stocks may become unsuitable for human consumption.

The 12.5 percent moisture requirement is therefore intended to ensure that maize purchased by the FRA meets acceptable food safety, storage and quality standards. Properly dried maize can be stored for longer periods with a lower risk of deterioration, helping the agency preserve national food reserves and protect public resources.

Farmers intending to sell maize to the FRA have been encouraged to continue drying their grain thoroughly, keep it off the ground and protect it from rain and other sources of moisture. Maize should also be stored in clean, dry and well-ventilated conditions before it is delivered to buying depots.

The FRA maize buying programme is expected to begin as soon as the required moisture level is attained.