Southern Province Set for Maize Bumper Harvest

Maize production in Southern Province is on a strong upward trajectory, with over 220,000 metric tonnes expected to be harvested across Kalomo, Livingstone and Kazungula districts.

According to Senior Agricultural Officers, this significant increase is largely attributed to timely government input distribution and favourable rainfall patterns. “This season’s yield is more than 100% higher than last year’s,” Senior Agricultural Officer Tundu Kaonga noted, emphasising the success of coordinated agricultural support.

The three districts had a combined total of 45,800 farmers benefiting from the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), a government initiative aimed at boosting small-scale agriculture.

Senior Agricultural Officer Oscar Makuyu stressed the importance of this development, saying, “Maize is our staple food in Zambia, and this increase in yield has exceeded our expectations.”

The projected bumper harvest aligns with findings from the Preliminary Crop Forecast Survey conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, as reported by NAIS journalist Kawrence Kabutu.

With these promising figures, the region is poised for improved food security and economic stability in the coming months.