President Hichilema urges farmers to secure their…

President Hakainde Hichilema has urged farmers across the country to secure their harvest for the 2025/2026 farming season. President Hichilema further implored farmers to be patient and wait for the government to buy their produce through the Food Reserve Agency (FRA). The Head of State said this is to ensure that farmers are not exploited by unscrupulous buyers.

President Hichilema said this in a press statement issued to the media by State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka. “As the nation enters the harvest period, farmers should be patient and wait for the Government through the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to buy their produce to avoid being exploited by unscrupulous buyers,” the press release read. The Head of State said reports about some unscrupulous buyers offering unfair and uncompetitive prices were extremely concerning.

President Hichilema pointed out that reports of some private sector players offering to buy some fields from some farmers before harvesting are extremely worrying as they expose the farmers to exploitation. The Head of State has since urged private sector players to avoid exploiting farmers and instead offer fair prices for their produce to keep them motivated and productive. President Hichilema reaffirmed the government’s commitment to helping farmers receive fair value for their labour and produce, urging them to be patient until the marketing season is officially opened by the Government.

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The Head of State has expressed gratitude to farmers for their dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to increased productivity. President Hichilema noted that farmers’ efforts continue to sustain communities through household food security. Further, the continued bumper harvest contributes significantly to strengthening the national economy through exportation of surplus crops that earn the country the much-needed foreign exchange.

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