Farmers advised against selling maize to foreigners

United Party for National Development (UPND) Mwiluzi Ward Coordinator, Happy Chiteta has cautioned farmers in the area against selling maize to foreigners.

Mr Chiteta said farmers should wait until the government announces the maize purchasing price so that they can sell it to the Food Reserves Agency (FRA).

He emphasized the need for people to sell the maize to FRA to help the country attain national food security.

Mr Chiteta explained that this will help to cushion the challenges brought about by climate change in the country.

He disclosed that some foreign nationals have invaded Mwiluzi area in Senga Hill District and are buying maize from farmers at K250 for a 50 kilogram bag of maize.

Mr Chiteta stated that some farmers are being lured into selling their fields to them before harvesting.

He disclosed the development in an interview with ZANIS in Senga Hill District.

Mr Chiteta further urged small-scale farmers to ensure they reserve enough maize for household food security, which should take them to the next farming season.

And Maggie Nayame of Chipoka village expressed concern on the number of briefcase buyers who have invaded the area looking for maize.

Ms Nayame has since appealed to traditional leaders in Senga Hill to protect their farmers from exploitation by briefcase buyers.

She said some foreigners have recruited Zambians who are buying the maize on their behalf.

Ms Nayame has since warned that the Zambian middlemen should stop the trend, saying this has a ripple effect on the country’s food security.

She called on community members to be on high alert and report people harboring foreigners who, in most cases, have no legal documents to be in the country.