President HH Warns Against Exploitation of Zambian Farmers

President Hakainde Hichilema has raised the alarm over reports of unscrupulous buyers offering farmers unfair and uncompetitive prices for their produce, describing the practice as deeply troubling.

The President said he has received credible information indicating that some private sector players are attempting to purchase crops directly from fields — before farmers have had the opportunity to engage with official channels — leaving them vulnerable to exploitation at a critical moment in the agricultural calendar.

Appealing directly to farmers, President Hichilema urged patience, encouraging them to wait for the Government, through the Food Reserve Agency, to purchase their produce at fair market value. He equally called on private sector buyers to act responsibly and offer competitive prices — warning that exploitative practices undermine farmer motivation and threaten the long-term productivity of the sector.

"Government is committed to ensuring that farmers receive fair value for their labour and produce," the President affirmed.

President Hichilema also took the opportunity to express his deep gratitude to Zambia's farming communities for their dedication, resilience, and commitment to feeding the nation. He acknowledged that their efforts remain central to household food security and the broader national economy, noting that surplus crop exports continue to generate much-needed foreign exchange.

The President further urged farmers to invest in adequate storage facilities, stressing that protecting the harvest is essential to national food security and the country's continued economic progress.