Agri Business News

28/12/2024

We experience fall armyworm attacks every season, yet it seems like we’re caught off guard every time. As farmers, preparation is key—every farmer should have a plan in place to control these pests. Regular monitoring, stocking affordable chemicals, and acting swiftly can save our fields and ensure food security. Let’s stay ready to fight, not react!

28/12/2024

ZNS HOLDS END-OF-YEAR THANKS GIVING PRAYERS
….for rain, Institutional, national prosperity

The Zambia National Service (ZNS) has held a thanksgiving prayer session to honour God for protection, sustenance and the notable successes achieved in 2024 and also to seek His divine guidance and blessings for the year ahead.

The event which was graced by members of the Clergy led by Seventh Day Adventist Southern Africa-Indian Division president Dr Harrington Akombwa was held yesterday at ZNS Chamba Valley in Lusaka and drew participation of the ZNS Commander Lieutenant General Eng Maliti Solochi II, the Deputy ZNS Commander Major General Reuben Mwewa and was attended by Service personnel from Lusaka-based Units.

Members of the clergy were involved in praying for the health and safety of ZNS personnel, favorable rains to support the country’s agricultural ambitions and generally for the nation’s well-being.

Coordinating the prayers, ZNS Chief of Religious and Moral Services (RAMS), Brigadier General Bossy Nkhoma emphasized the importance of conducting end-of-year prayers, highlighting the Institution’s recognition of God’s central role in Service and national affairs.

Brig Gen Nkhoma said the event was an expression of gratitude to God for the achievements of the year, and to make a plea before Him for a prosperous year ahead precipitated by favourable weather conditions for the agricultural sector.

“Thanks giving prayers have been held to publicly acknowledge that God reigns supreme in ZNS. God’s supremacy is central to Service administration and I must further state that the Service derives its strength and guidance from God Almighty, therefore the prayer session was organized as a reflection of this faith,” he said.
He called on both the members of Defence and general public to remain steadfast in faith, unity and commitment to national development, stressing the key role prayer plays in achieving sustainable progress.

“We gather today not only to reflect on the

28/12/2024

Big shout out to my newest top fans! Shela Sibindi Chilufya, Tiñta Miyoba, Gosaye Kebede

28/12/2024

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Lubasi Nalumango, Chilangwa Musa, Marley Kumwenda, Wakumelo Sundano, Given Jm, Boikhutso Shasa, Damaless Muuma, Mbole Munkombwe, Benjamin Simushi Siwabu, Bill Mwale, Evelyn Katebe, George Tonga, Ayibakuro A Y Allen, Nazael Mambo Zimson, Maxmillan Mutale, Agness Jere, Tina Chikondi, Alvinio Emilien, Keitumetse Wadinku, Osward Tembo, Mwango Albert, Kenford Machona, Collen Chidziva, Stephen Magwira, Juliet Mweetwa Sakala, Steward Syampeyo, Given Bliengu, Joseph Malama, Wezzie Siwale, Tricia Mulundu, Sipho Zamalek, Eddie Tulu, Innocent Mukangwa, Derick Mfula, Francis Matipa

28/12/2024

Bank of Zambia Provides K5b for Banks to lend to those affected negatively by drought and load-shedding

Under the Facility, the Bank of Zambia shall provide funds to eligible Financial Service Providers (FSPs) for onward lending to viable businesses in the agriculture sector and those negatively impacted by the current electricity shortages.

The funds shall be offered under prescribed terms and conditions which shall be distributed to all FSPs and published on the Bank of Zambia

"The Bank wishes to announce the launch of the Stability and Resilience Facility (SRF) to safeguard financial stability and enhance financial sector resilience in the wake of the 2023/24 drought."

"The Bank will, therefore, open a Stability and Resilience Facility Window with a funding of K5.0 billion for a period of 12 months effective December 30, 2024."

27/12/2024

27/12/2024

𝗡𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗚𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗠: 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗜𝗡 𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗕𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦.

"𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘮; 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘩𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘸."

As 2024 draws to a close, small business owners find themselves navigating a landscape fraught with challenges. Cash flow troubles, relentless inflation, cutthroat competition, and high borrowing costs have disrupted normal operations. Compounding these issues, ongoing loadshedding has added another layer of difficulty. In such a daunting climate, is it time to throw in the towel?

Not yet.

Instead of surrendering to despair, assess your current situation with clarity. Each obstacle presents an opportunity to learn and pivot. Think creatively about your business model. Can you diversify your offerings or streamline operations to improve efficiency?

Embrace the lessons from your past mistakes, using them as stepping stones toward growth. The road to recovery is gradual, not instantaneous. Entering 2025 with renewed optimism, let your resilience be your guiding light. It’s not about the challenges you face, but how you respond to them that defines your success.

Remember, every storm passes, and those who weather it often emerge stronger. Your journey doesn’t end here; it’s merely the beginning of a new chapter. Stay hopeful, stay strategic, and prepare to thrive against the odds.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆,
F𝐫a𝐧k H𝐚b𝐚n𝐲a𝐦a - T𝐡e S𝐨c𝐢a𝐥p𝐫e𝐧u𝐞r.

26/12/2024

CEJ ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR SOLAR-POWERED BOREHOLES IN CLIMATE STRESSED NYIMBA, PETAUKE

Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) has announced plans to deliver solar-powered boreholes in the climate stressed Nyimba and Petauke districts in Eastern Province in the year 2025.

CEJ Executive Director Maggie Mwape made the announcement when CEJ handed over 30 improved goats to farmers in Petauke.

Ms Mwape stated that CEJ, now fifteen years in existence, is working in seven provinces of Zambia, with operations in three districts per province.

She mentioned that the presence of CEJ in Eastern Province marks the eighth province, and they will work in Nyimba and Petauke districts.

Ms Mwape expressed happiness about CEJ’s presence in Eastern Province, hoping that next year they will expand to a third district in the province.

She explained that CEJ is conducting a pilot project in the province to understand the area before rolling out major activities.

Ms Mwape said so far, CEJ has undertaken notable activities under the pilot project and has received support from the government, traditional leaders, and the local people.

She highlighted that CEJ is in Petauke to actualise one component of the project, which is livelihood support to different beneficiaries, a process that was also done in Nyimba.

The CEJ Executive Director said the move is a pass-on exercise from one beneficiary to another.

Ms Mwape also mentioned that CEJ will continue with training, especially in agroecology, environmental protection, and climate change.

She expressed hope that CEJ will remain in Nyimba and Petauke for a long time and will deliver according to the support rendered by their partners.

The Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ), in collaboration with ZCCN, is working on a project focusing on Gender and Climate Justice in Food Systems, funded by We Effect.

This initiative aims to address the intersection of gender inequality and climate change impacts on food security.

By empowering

25/12/2024

24/12/2024

Rainfall pattern to continue until Dec, 27

By Mwewa Musonda

Zambia Meteorological Department Director EDSON NKONDE says the current rainfall pattern being experienced in the country is expected to continue until December 26 and 27, 2024.

Mr NKONDE, however says Northern, Northwestern, Western and parts of the Southern Provinces, are likely to receive significant rainfall.

In an interview with ZNBC News, Mr. NKONDE said Eastern Province, Eastern parts of Central Province, and Lusaka Provinces are expected to receive less than 1 millimeter of rainfall.

Mr NKONDE said the department will continue updating the country on the situation.

Source:ZNBC

23/12/2024

HIDES AND SKINS AS A VALUABLE RESOURCE FOR FARMERS

23/12/2024

ZAMBIA LUNCHTIME WEATHER REPORT: MONDAY (23/12/2024)
FORECAST FOR THE AFTERNOON & EVENING: MONDAY (23/12/2024)
Northwestern and Western Provinces including the northern parts of Luapula province. Partly cloudy and warm to hot with isolated showers and thunderstorms. Maximum temperature will range between 28°C and 35°C. The evening will be partly cloudy and warm to mild with a chance of isolated rain and occasional thunder.
Southern, Lusaka, Central, Copperbelt, Eastern, Muchinga, Northern and Provinces including the southern parts of Luapula province. Partly Cloudy, slightly windy and hot to very hot with a chance of isolated showers. Maximum temperature will range between 30°C and 40°C. The evening will be partly cloudy, slightly windy and warm.
HIGHEST TEMPERATURE RECORDED YESTERDAY: SUNDAY (22/12/2024)
Senanga 40°C, Sesheke 36°C, Petauke 35°C, Magoye, Livingstone, Senanga, Kaoma, Kaoma, Kafironda and Chipepo 34°C, Mongu, KKIA, Kabwe Agro, Serenje, SMKIA, Mumbwa, Mpika Kalabo and Mongu 33°C.
Produced by the Zambia Meteorological Department,
Ministry of Green Economy and Environment.

23/12/2024

Over 1,200 hectares of maize fields in Kalulushi District, Copperbelt Province, have been affected by the fall armyworm.

The affected fields belong to more than 5,000 farmers from 12 agricultural camps in the district.

District Agricultural Coordinator Davis Kaboboto says the district has received 420 liters of chemicals to combat the fall armyworm.

During a field visit to Ichimpe Agricultural Camp, Kaboboto stated that the chemicals will cover over 500 hectares of fields in the district.

ZNBC

23/12/2024

By Paul Shalala

Israeli researchers are coming up with environmentally friendly varieties of oranges which can grow in any part of the world without harming the local ecosystem.

At the Volcani Institute, the Agriculture Research Organization of Israel which is based in the city of Tel Aviv, researchers have come up with over 200 varieties of oranges called Mandarins.

Volcani Institute Researcher LIVNAT GOLDENBERG says the varieties of oranges are being made with specific climatic and environmental knowledge so that they can suit local settings around the world.

23/12/2024

The challenges in Zambian agriculture are rooted in the methods and systems employed by most small-scale farmers. A significant portion practices conventional farming and mono-cropping, which leads to:

• Soil Degradation: Continuous cultivation of a single crop depletes specific nutrients from the soil, reducing fertility over time.

• Low Yields: With poor soil health and minimal use of modern farming techniques, productivity remains low.

• Climate Vulnerability: Reliance on rain-fed agriculture leaves farmers vulnerable to unpredictable weather patterns.

• Limited Diversification: Mono-cropping means farmers are more exposed to market fluctuations and pest outbreaks, leading to inconsistent earnings.

Why Agriculture is Still Promoted

• Employment: While agriculture may currently have low productivity, it provides a livelihood for the majority of rural Zambians.

• Potential for Growth: Agriculture has untapped potential if farmers adopt climate-smart, diversified, and value-added practices. Examples include crop rotation, conservation agriculture, and agroforestry.

• Food Security: Investing in agriculture ensures national food security and reduces dependency on imports.

• Export Opportunities: Zambia’s fertile land and favorable climate offer opportunities for export-oriented farming of crops like soybeans, cashew nuts, and horticultural products.

The Solution

• Transition to Climate-Smart Agriculture: Promote practices such as intercropping, conservation tillage, and use of organic fertilizers.

• Irrigation: Providing access to irrigation equipment can make farming productive year-round.

• Market Support: The government should expand market opportunities for diverse crops, not just maize.

• Technology and Training: Equip farmers with knowledge about mechanization, precision farming, and modern techniques.

• Value Addition: Encourage farmers to process their produce (e.g., turning soybeans into oil or maize into mealie meal) to increase earnings.

Th

23/12/2024

Police arrest one in connection with stock theft in Lufwanyama

Nine heards of cattle bearing a mark of F8/3C were on Tuesday 17 December abandoned by cattle rastlers in Fungulwe area of Lufwanyama District.

Guidance was given that the animals be taken to safety which was done. On Wednesday 18 December, Mpongwe police station received a report that 29 stolen cattle were heading towards Lufwanyama District and that all the 29 were bearing the same mark as those abandoned 9, F8/3C.

After a through investigation, it was established that those nine were part of the twenty nine reported stolen.

Later on Thursday 19 December eighteen (18) were recovered bringing the total of recovered animals to twenty seven (27).

One suspect has since been apprehended.

23/12/2024

Good morning and have a productive week