CHASEFU District Commissioner Lufeyo Ngoma is saddened by some small scale farmers who are selling pre-harvested maize to briefcase buyers who have invaded Chasefu.
Mr. Ngoma has observed that some farmers collected money in advance from businessmen before harvesting the crop, endangering food security at household level.
He was speaking when he officiated at this year’s district agriculture and commercial show held under the theme, “Inclusive Economic Transformation.”
He said despite agriculture being a business venture, farmers need to be mindful of food security.
And Chasefu Council Chairperson Chimwemwe Banda has appealed to farmers to diversify by embarking into gardening, which is done all year round.
Ms. Banda observed that the district has lagged behind in growing vegetables, tomatoes, onion and Irish potatoes, which could earn farmers huge sums of money and improve their livelihood.
Speaking earlier, Chasefu Show Society Chairperson Alias Mtonga lamented that despite the district having a lot of farmers, only a few benefit from the Farmer Input Support Programme.
Mr. Mtonga added that inadequate markets and agricultural camp officers are among the challenges affecting the farmer’s productivity. – ZANIS.