Chief Nkweto of the Bemba people in Chinsali District in Muchinga Province has cautioned his subjects against selling all their maize grain to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) and external buyers.
The Chief warned that household food security must come before profit.
The traditional leader emphasised that keeping enough food at household level is cardinal for the well-being of families and communities.
He warned that he will not tolerate subjects who liquidate their entire harvest simply because they want to maximize monetary gain at the expense of their families.
Chief Nkweto said he does not want any of his subjects to suffer from hunger when God has blessed the chiefdom with a bumper harvest this year.
“Just because we want to make money, we should not sell everything,” Chief Nkweto said.
The Chief noted that while money is tempting, its appeal should not warrant the reckless sale of maize and other essential agricultural produce.
Chief Nkweto also issued a stern warning to briefcase buyers operating in the area, cautioning them against exploiting local farmers during the crop-marketing season.
