The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has advised farmers across the country not to rush into selling their maize at very low prices immediately after harvest, warning that such practices could threaten household food security.
The agency says it has observed that some farmers have already begun selling their maize at what it described as giveaway prices, even before securing adequate food for their own families.
FRA Public Relations Coordinator John Chipandwe said while farmers need to earn income from their produce, disposing of entire harvests too quickly exposes households to hunger, price fluctuations and possible shortages later in the season.
“Farmers, do not rush to sell all your maize at cheap prices right after harvest. Keep enough for your family’s food needs and wait for better prices later,” he said.
The agency has since encouraged farmers to retain reasonable quantities of their produce for household consumption and as a buffer against emergencies and market instability.
It further advised that gradual and strategic selling of maize can help farmers benefit from improved prices over time, instead of selling everything when supply is high and market prices are low.
