NORTH-WESTERN Province Minister Robert Lihefu has advised farmers not to rush into selling their maize to briefcase buyers but instead wait for the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to announce the official market price.

Mr Lihefu said with the anticipated bumper harvest this year, farmers should reserve part of their produce for household consumption to avoid food shortages.

“This year we have had enough rainfall and as a Province we are expecting a good maize harvest. Let me appeal to farmers not to be swayed into rushing to sell their maize and other produce to unscrupulous, opportunistic buyers. Wait for FRA’s fair market price,” he said.

He further appealed to traditional leaders to sensitise communities on the importance of securing household food supplies before selling surplus crops.