Suspected Malawian briefcase buyers have invaded Chief Chinunda’s area in Chipata mopping maize with attractive prices.
Breeze FM Correspondent, Edward Mbulo reports from the area that the traders who are buying a 50 kilogramme bag at more than 100 Kwacha are eluding ZNS, Zambia National Service officers using small vehicles to ferry the produce.
Meanwhile farmers in Chipata have been urged not to sale their maize to briefcase buyers despite good buying prices being offered.
Chipata district Commissioner, Kalunga Zulu told Breeze News that selling maize to briefcase buyers will disadvantage the country’s food security.
Mr. Zulu says he has received reports that most farmers in Chipata have already started selling maize to briefcase buyers because they are offering good prices.
He says the farmers should wait for FRA, the Food Reserve Agency to start buying maize when the produce reaches the required moisture content than being enticed by prices offered by private buyers.
Mr. Zulu added that farmers should also keep some maize for their home consumption.