Agriculture expert, Oliver Bulaya, has urged government to prioritize national food security before considering maize exports to other countries.
Dr. Bulaya warned that failing to secure adequate reserves for local consumption could lead to a repeat of past shortages when excessive maize exports forced the country to rely on costly imports, a situation he described as disappointing.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka, Dr. Bulaya also cautioned farmers against selling their maize to briefcase buyers, emphasizing that such practices undermine food security.
“With changes in rainfall patterns, there is an expectation of a bumper harvest and both farmers and the government must take measures to protect the yields,” said Dr. Bulaya.
He further called on government to establish market linkages for farmers across the country to prevent them from resorting to briefcase buyers.
Christabel Kamunu
