Three Brethren in Christ Church in Choma has advised villagers in chiefs Macha and Mapanza in the district to exercise patience and await government’s announcement of this year’s maize floor price to avoid being duped by unscrupulous grain buyers.
Church secretary general, Robert Mudaala, said it would be folly of peasant farmers to rush into selling off their maize before government announces the floor price.
He said farmers stood to lose out if they do not wait for the government pronouncement on the floor price. Mr. Mudaala said this when he addressed scores of villagers at Hamubbwatu in Chief Mapanza’s area in Choma where the church is implementing an area development project under sponsorship of the Americans.
He said the church is aware that some desperate farmers are considering selling a 50 kilogramme bag of maize for as cheaply as K25,000.
He warned that such desperate efforts would defeat plans to ensure food security at both household and district level. Mr. Mudaala said with the favorable rainfall pattern experienced this farming season, it is important to take good care of the harvested crop to avoid hunger.
Mr. Mudaala also cautioned villagers who have benefited from the project against selling animals acquired on loan saying doing so would perpetuate their poverty situation. He urged them to stick to the agreed upon dipping schedule so as to avoid tick-borne disease.
Mr. Mudaala also implored the beneficiaries to seek government veterinary services whenever necessary than resorting to traditional remedies to treat their sick animals.
ENDS/CM/PK/ZANIS
Yes my people, be patient and wait until you are advised about the right price otherwise mukalo ilyauma.
I didnt know that people can treat their sick animals with traditional medicines, or does it happen in Choma only?.