Minister of Agriculture, Michael Katambo has revealed that maize production for the 2020/2021 marketing season is projected to increase to 3,620,244 metric tonnes from 3,387,469 metric tonnes produced last season, presenting an increase of 7 per cent.
Mr Katambo has attributed the maize bumper harvest expected this year to the early delivery of inputs under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) coupled with good rains and good agricultural practices by farmers.
ZANIS reports that the minister said this during a press briefing on the Crop Forecasting Survey for the 2020/2021 Agricultural Season and the Food Security Status for the 2021/2022 Marketing Season in Lusaka today.
Mr. Katambo stated that the total carry-over stocks held by millers, grain traders, small and large scale farmers as at May 3, 2021 was 840,944 metric tonnes.
“If we add the total production of 3,620,244metric tonnes produced this season, the total supply of maize available for the 2021/2022 marketing season is 4,461,188 metric tonnes,” he said.
He said taking into account all the national requirements of 2,932,208 metric tonnes and the stocks of 4,461,188 metric tonnes, the country is expected to have a surplus of 1,528 metric tonnes of maize.
Mr. Katambo stated that in line with the economic recovery plan, it is the intention of government to make agriculture a leading export sector.
He said government will this year continue with regulated exports of maize and mealie meal through programmes such as the government -millers Association of Zambia.
Mr. Katambo further said government has accepted a request by the World Food Programme to buy Zambian maize and mealie meal equivalent for export to needy countries.
He said government will allow to export 80,000 metric tonnes of maize by the World Food Programme for Humanitarian purposes.
Mr. Katambo added that government is encouraging production of early maize which is planted in October and artificially dried in March and April.
He said government is working with the Zambia National Farmers Union(ZNFU) to come up with a legal instrument to actualize the export of early maize.
“All early maize will be allowed to be exports up to the end of May and this will allow the country to enter the export market early. It will also provide the country with a fall-back position in times of reduced production due to drought or other factors,” he said.
Mr. Katambo revealed that apart from maize, soya beans production is also expected to increase to 411,115 metric tonnes from 296,866 metric tonnes produced last season representing an increase of 38 percent.
He stated that this year’s production of soya beans is the highest ever recorded in the country.
Speaking at the same event, Indaba Agricultural Policy Research Institute (IAPRI) Executive Director, Chance Kabaghe commended government for allowing the export of surplus maize.
Mr. Kabaghe said it is gratifying for government to offer policy direction as regards o exporting of maize as it will earn the country foreign exchange.
He said it is time for farmers to take advantage of the various protocols and agreements in order to make Zambia a permanent supplier of crops and livestock services in the region.
Hope price will be rewarding to our hard working farmers.
Good job farmers , we can’t do without you.
PRICE AT THE MOMENT IS K10.00 PER KG CHISAMBA CHIBOMBO KAPIRI AREAS
AND PEASANT FARMERS ARE DELIVERING ……. ZAMBIANS SCREWING ZAMBIANS AND PF WILL DO NOTHING .
THEY WILL WAKE UP WHEN ITS TOO LATE…….. BUT THIS IS ALSO CAUSED BY GIVING OUT SUBSIDISED MAIZE SEED AND FERTILIZER
But not Pheluna Hatembo. Poor woman missed out her maize.
But Nawakwi na Ka Tayali ma tolley sana.
This has to happen because the farmers have received huge supplies of fertilizers and other needed agricultural items from the government. And, we believe that even next year Zambians would witness a bumper harvest.
The country is now preparing for the exports of agriculture products to other countries. We are on the path of development.
Yes, the country will witness a bumper harvest this year because of the hard work of farmers and continuous support from the government through FISP.
Zambia has always blessed with a good climate and land then why only under the leadership of President Lungu the agriculture sector is growing??? I think we must give credit to ECL as well for this, it could be impossible without them.
We are happy to know that the small-scale farmers’ lives are improving. They are earning well and feeding their families. God bless President Lungu!
The timely launch of the economic recovery programme by President Lungu played an important role in the growth of agriculture. The fact is that our President did perfect planning while inputting different measures to the schemes which are benefiting our sectors now!
Zambia is on the path of making the agriculture sector a leading export sector!!!!!!!???
Farmers, the most happiest people right now! Thank you, ECL.
President Lungu emphasized educating farmers to be export-oriented. He wants every farmer to have detailed knowledge about farming and for that, even training camps were organized.
Criticizers cannot deny the fact that President Lungu’s administration has successfully managed to attract growth and development in Zambia.
Typical, all those PF trolls here, in support of the president. Suddenly he is responsible for GOOD RAINS???