Luapula on Course for 1.2 Million Tonne Cassava Harvest

Luapula Province is set to contribute the largest share of the country’s cassava output this season, reinforcing its status as the country's leading cassava-producing region.

According to the 2025/2026 Crop Forecasting Survey, Luapula is projected to produce approximately 1.23 million metric tonnes of cassava from over 104,000 hectares planted — the biggest provincial contribution to national cassava output.

Province Principal Public Relations Officer Emmanuel Maseko said the figures reflect the impact of deliberate government interventions to boost agricultural productivity, including improved access to farming inputs, extension services and mechanisation support.

The cassava performance comes as part of a broader picture of strong agricultural output nationally. The country has recorded its highest-ever maize harvest, with projected production exceeding five million metric tonnes, and the country is sitting on a national food surplus of over 1.48 million metric tonnes of maize equivalent for the 2026/2027 marketing season.

Mr Maseko said Luapula's performance highlights the province's wider role in supporting food security, promoting crop diversification and stimulating agro-processing opportunities at the local level.