ECONOMIST URGES STAKEHOLDERS TO ENSURE FARMERS BENEFIT FROM THEIR MAIZE AMID PROJECTED DROP IN PRICES
ECONOMIST, Dr Lubinda Haabazoka has urged the Government and various stakeholders to ensure as the prices of maize are projected to drop, the farmers need to make profit off their produce as they were purchasing the inputs at a higher price.
Speaking in an interview, Dr Haabazoka says that there should be a balance between so as not to discourage farmers, not to plant more maize in fear of lower prices the next farming season.
He also adds that with the surplus of the maize the Government should consider trading with other regional neighbours who had assisted Zambia during the the drought.
Dr Haazoka has further advised the general citizenry to also diversify in terms of the stable food to have food security.
Recently, ZAMSTATS announced that the country is expected to harvest about 3,655, 645 metric tonnes of maize this year as compared to 1.5 million in 2024.
M&D
Farmers must avoid to rush to sell their produce at give away prices to briefcase buyers.And they must just consider selling the surplus and secure some for own consumption and be food secure for some good time.The climate we have now is surely unpredictable.
Don’t worry,we are just waiting for the floor price and then we decide whether to sell to FRA or otherwise.Remember that it is not everyone who is on FISP, we use our own capital and need to generate profit.It is like the noise of people who can’t even afford farming has been given high priority by the government while us the real people suffering are seen to be dull.
We are here and see things at first hand.whatever government will do to impress the opposition and it’s noise makers,they will not appreciate.we shall sale our maize don’t worry.