Zambia intensifies winter maize production to halt imports

ZAMBIA – Zambia is intensifying winter maize production in an effort to enhance food security and move closer to achieving the national target of 10 million tonnes of maize per annum.

Traditionally reliant on rain-fed agriculture, Zambia’s maize yields have suffered significantly due to recent droughts, with this year’s production dropping to 1.5 million tonnes from the usual three million tonnes.

In response, President Hakainde Hichilema has called for an increase in winter maize production. He emphasized that this strategy is crucial for ensuring food availability, reducing dependence on imports, boosting farmers’ incomes, promoting economic growth, and achieving food self-sufficiency.

Research indicates that winter maize can yield higher outputs due to cooler temperatures and improved soil moisture. Planting maize in the winter allows for harvesting outside the traditional rainy season, ensuring a more consistent supply throughout the year.

Both commercial and small-scale farmers are responding to the president’s call.

Zambeef, a major agribusiness, has planted over 1,000 hectares of winter maize. According to Ezekiel Sekele, the company’s corporate affairs and sustainability executive, the winter maize is thriving, with an expected yield of 7,000 tonnes from Chiawa and 700 tonnes from a trial in Mpongwe District.

This initiative aims to secure the country’s food supply despite the challenging weather conditions.

In Lundazi District, Eastern Province, farmers are leveraging local wetlands for winter maize production. Supported by Zambezi Seed and Synergy companies, three cooperatives in Kapichila agriculture camp have planted maize with promising results.

District Agriculture Coordinator Edward Hachuundu highlighted the potential of wetlands for year-round crop production and noted that 10,000 farmers are registered for government support.

The Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) is aiding this initiative by providing loans for solar irrigation systems and agricultural mechanization.

Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Elias Mubanga has encouraged small-scale farmers to utilize these loans to invest in winter maize production, enhancing their income and livelihoods.

The government aims to empower 50,000 small-scale farmers nationwide, with 1,000 already benefiting.

Buy Zed Campaign founder Evans Ngoma commended the government’s efforts and expressed optimism that Zambia could become a regional food basket despite natural challenges.

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