BREAKING: RECORD MAIZE HARVEST IS FORECAST

The results of the crop forecasting survey for this year’s agricultural season were released today.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Agriculture acknowledges the hardships that Zambia has faced over the last year due to the severe drought, and pays tribute to the sterling efforts by all stakeholders as well as robust government programmes put in place by President Hichilema such as Food For Work and Enhanced Cash Transfer which helped ensure that not one Zambian died from hunger.

The survey indicated increased yields, an outstanding achievement by Zambia’s farmers.

Most importantly, the maize harvest is expected to exceed Zambia’s requirements for both human consumption and industrial use. The survey forecasts a record harvest of 3,655,645 metric tonnes.

This brings Zambia’s total maize to supply to over 4 million against an initial target of 3,539,024 – a surplus of over half a million tonnes. This is expected to result in a noticeable decline in mealie-meal prices, easing the pressures on the cost of living.

The Ministry remains committed to helping farmers get a fair price for their crops, and announced that the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) will be managed on 100% E-voucher modality for the forthcoming year.

The statement finished by thanking President Hichilema’s government and all the relevant partners who helped compile the survey, and paid tribute to efforts of Zambia’s farmers who yet again displayed the nation’s profound resilience under difficult circumstances last year.