Government has tasked Nakonde District in Muchinga Province to start producing over 110,000 metric tonnes of maize by 2032.
Nakonde District Administrative Officer Alex Sinkala said this is part of the government’s target to produce 10 million metric tonnes of maize, 1 million metric tonnes of Soybeans and 1 million metric tonnes of wheat nationally by 2031.
He has since called for serious commitment from farmers to achieve this target.
“Nakonde has been given the target of 110,000 Metric Tonnes of Maize, 100 Metric Tonnes of Soybeans and 100 Metric Tonnes of Wheat to produce by 2032. This means that we need more effort and seriousness among ourselves as farmers in order to meet the target,” Mr Sinkala said.
Mr Sinkala said this when he officiated at the Nakonde Agricultural, Tourism and Investment Show in Nakonde today.
The district administrative officer was representing Nakonde District Commissioner, Marvelous Sikapizye at the show.
He disclosed that the district is expected to produce 55,000 metric tons of maize in the just ended 2025/2025 farming season.
“This means that we have already gone halfway through the presidential directive for Nakonde’s target. This is indeed recommendable and well done,” he said.
Mr Sinkala encouraged farmers to sell their produce to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to support food security while reserving some for home consumption.
“I shall always encourage farmers to sell their produce to the Food Reserve Agency for the sake of food security, but also reserve something for their home consumption,” he said.
The DAO further urged the Nakonde Show Society to secure a permanent showground to attract good participation by all stakeholders.
Mr Sinkala also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting both production and commercial aspects of the economy through agricultural shows.
He said agricultural shows are cardinal events where farmers and the commercial fraternity interact to share agricultural experiences and commercial perspectives.
“The district show is one of the avenues where exhibitors have an opportunity to showcase their products and services to their diverse target groups,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nakonde Agriculture, Tourism and Investment Show Society Chairperson George Silwenga cited lack of land and a solid financial base as a major challenge affecting its operations.
Mr Silwenga revealed that the society held its first ever fundraising dinner on June 12, 2026 at Fresh Air Garden to raise funds to address the challenges.
He stated that the local authority, through the council secretary, pledged to sort out the land issue, among other things.
He thanked people who attended the fundraising dinner gala for supporting the cause the society is pursuing.
Mr Silwenga described the show as a perfect avenue where participants and exhibitors interact with experts from the agricultural and business sectors.
“I therefore encourage all of you who are here to freely interact with these experts in order to broaden your knowledge as far as agriculture and the business sector is concerned,” he said.
