Northwestern Province Minister Robert Lihefu has advised farmers not to rush into selling their maize to briefcase buyers but instead wait for the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to announce the official market price.
Mr Lihefu said with the anticipated bumper harvest this year, farmers should reserve part of their produce for household consumption to avoid food shortages. He cautioned that
the lifting of the maize export ban should not lead families to sell all their grain and risk hunger.
“This year we have had enough rainfall and as a Province we are expecting a good maize harvest. Let me appeal to farmers not to be swayed into rushing to sell their maize and other produce to unscrupulous, opportunistic buyers. Wait for FRA’s fair market price,” he said.
The Minister emphasised that agriculture is a business and farmers must ensure they get value for their work.
He further appealed to traditional leaders to sensitise communities on the importance of securing household food supplies before selling surplus crops.
“The voice of traditional leaders is key in ensuring behavioural change among community members. Let me also appeal to them to help sensitise our farmers to keep food for household consumption before selling,” he added.
What’s the problem here You predicted a bumper harvest so plenty for all
FRA takes weeks and months to pay