Chief Nkula Suspends Premature Sale of Maize

Senior Chief Nkula of the Bemba people has banned the sale of maize in his chiefdom in Chinsali, Muchinga province after farmers sold crop fields before the harvest had even started. 

Speaking to Radio Delight Kwitonta FM, Senior Chief Nkula said he was disappointed with his subjects after catching two of them selling crops still in the field to a foreign buyer for as little as K10,000. 

The chief said that investigations were underway into a third suspect and that he would deal firmly with anyone found to be selling maize before the harvest starts. 

He warned that the sale of maize before the government announces the floor price for this year’s marketing season could present a huge threat to household food security.

Also speaking to Radio Delight, Chinsali District Commissioner Maximo Chitambi expressed his disappointment with the behaviour of local farmers, particularly when so many in the region had insecure access to food.

He said last week the district received 3,620 bags of mealie meal, each weighing 12.5kg, as relief for those affected by flooding in the region. 

Mr Chitambi echoed the Senior Chief’s warning against selling food to foreign businessmen, especially when it is so desperately needed by the local community.