Lusaka Provincial Agriculture Coordinator (PACO) Pascal Chipasha has advised farmers in the province to purchase certified seeds as they prepare for this year’s farming season.
Mr Chipasha has also implored farmers to ensure that they procure seed from registered Agro dealers who are certified by the Seed Control and Certification Institute (SCCI) under the Ministry of Agriculture.
He emphasised that the seed should be well packaged and labelled, indicating that the product has been tested and certified by SCCI.
“They must ensure that they buy seed that is well packaged and labelled indicating that they have been tested and certified by SCCI. They should purchase seed from sellers with licences from SCCI because they are dealing with certified seed,” said Mr Chipasha.
Meanwhile, commenting on the rainfall forecast for 2025/2026 season issued by the Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) last month, which indicated that the country is likely to experience normal to above normal rainfall across most areas including Northwestern, Western, Southern and Lusaka provinces.
Mr Chipasha expressed confidence in farmers in the province to be able to face challenges that may stem from anticipated normal to above normal rainfall in the Rainfall Forecast for the 2025/2026 season.
Mr Chipasha told the media in an interview that most rural communities in Lusaka province are used to flash floods, especially those in Rufunsa and Luangwa districts.
“I think anticipation of flash floods in districts such as Rufunsa and Luangwa districts has been the norm but most of our farmers have been trained by our extension officers on how to conserve moisture and we are also working with our extension officers to urge farmers not to plant crops in flood prone areas,” said Mr Chipasha.
He also disclosed that working with extension officers in the Province, farmers have been sensitized to ensure that they purchase seed from Agro dealers certified by the Seed Control and Certification Institute (SCCI) under the Ministry of Agriculture.
