Food Reserves Agency warns farmers against selling maize at giveaway prices

The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has expressed concern over media reports indicating that some farmers from various parts of the country had already began selling their maize at giveaway prices.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, FRA Public Relations Coordinator, John Chipandwe, urged farmers to be prudent when selling their harvested crops.

He noted that while farmers naturally sought income from their hard work, selling the entirety of one’s harvest immediately after production — and in some cases while the crop was still in the field — could lead to losses and unintended consequences for both households and the broader national food system.

“Therefore, farmers are strongly encouraged to retain reasonable quantities of their produce for future household consumption and use the same stock as a buffer against unforeseen circumstances such as drought, market fluctuations, or supply disruptions,” Chipandwe said.

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He emphasised that maintaining reserves helped ensure food security at both household and national levels.

Chipandwe further noted that gradual and strategic selling could allow farmers to benefit from better market prices over time, rather than disposing of all produce when supply was high and prices were typically low.

“The Agency remains committed to providing a reliable market as required by law, and farmers are urged to seek guidance from local agricultural officers from the Ministry of Agriculture on best practices for post-harvest management and current crop marketing prices,” he said.

He added that ensuring household food security was a shared responsibility, stressing that by managing their harvests wisely, farmers helped safeguard both their own welfare and the country’s food security.

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