Muchinga Province has targeted purchasing 65,000 metric tons of white maize during the 2026 crop marketing season for national strategic food reserves.
Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary, Tuesday Bwalya said the province will also buy 71.43 metric tons of paddy rice across the province.
Dr Bwalya has, however, urged farmers to ensure that they leave some of their produce for home consumption in view of the possible El Niño weather conditions.
“As you sell your maize to the Food Reserve Agency, you must do it responsibly and ensure that you leave a surplus for household consumption,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary said this when he graced the 13th Muchinga Provincial Agricultural and Tourism and Commercial Show.
With the adverse weather conditions expected, the Permanent Secretary also compelled farmers to practice climate-smart agriculture techniques and engage in irrigation to become more resilient.
Dr Bwalya also said in a bid to increase production the Government has set up mechanisation centers within the Province under the 360 program.
He said since its inception, 285 farmers have accessed mechanised equipment, and 690 hectares have been ploughed.
“These numbers are extremely low; I therefore urge the Ministry of Agriculture to intensify sensitisation so that more farmers can utilise this equipment,” he said.
Dr Bwalya emphasised that farmers must take advantage of the readily available equipment to reduce time spent on land preparation and increase production.
Meanwhile, the Muchinga Province Show Society Chairperson, Kenneth Nkonde says the region is endowed with abundant natural resources and has urged various stakeholders to explore opportunities in trade and investment.
Mr Nkonde said the location of the province is suitable for business both locally and internationally, with the Tanzania-Zambia Railways Authority (TAZARA) providing transportation services in addition to the Great North Road.
“With its vast land, Muchinga Province is the hub of potential investments that have to be explored,” he said.
The 2026 Provincial Agriculture, Tourism, and Commercial Show, which ran from Friday 26 June to Sunday 28 June 2026 in Chinsali district, was held under the theme “Fostering Trade and Investment.”
