Agri Business News

Agri Business News "You Farm. We Inform"

Agri-Business News (ABN) is presently one of the biggest agriculture magazines on the Zambian market that seeks to inform, educate and assist farmers and would be farmers, agribusiness players, government, the donor community, purveyors and individual entities about agriculture developments taking place in and around Zambia and beyond so that they make informed decisions. Established in October 20

13, the ABN magazine tells the farmer's story beyond the story and educates farmers on how to carry on with their business of farming. With the above insights provided, we now invite you to log in to our www.agribusinessnews.co and see the content we offer and also buy advertising space.

26/06/2025

ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT STRENGTHENS LOCUST RESPONSE CAPACITY THROUGH TRAINING OF TRAINERS IN WESTERN PROVINCE

Ministry of Agriculture is undertaking a Training of Trainers Workshop aimed at enhancing technical capacity in locust surveillance, control, and response planning.

The training is designed to equip agricultural officers from all the 16 districts in Western Province with practical knowledge on locust biology, ecology, and integrated pest management, with the ultimate goal of strengthening early warning systems and preparedness against future locust outbreaks.

Officiating at the opening of the workshop on behalf of the Permanent Secretary – Technical Services in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. John Mulongoti, Western Province Permanent Secretary, Mr. Akapelwa Simomo underscored the importance of the training in safeguarding food security and protecting livelihoods.

Mr. Simomo stated that the initiative is aligned with Government’s commitment to building resilient agricultural systems capable of withstanding biological threats such as locusts.

The workshop is being implemented in collaboration with strategic partners, namely the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI), and the International Red Locust Control Organization for Central and Southern Africa (IRLCO-CSA).

It brings together officers from various provinces and districts who, upon completion, are expected to roll out and cascade trainings for camp and block extension officers as well as farmers in affected and high-risk areas.

Zambia has in recent times experienced locust outbreaks in parts of Western, Central, and Southern Provinces. A total of 20 districts have been classified as hotspots due to either high locust populations or the presence of breeding grounds. The outbreaks have so far affected 29,321 hectares of land, including 3,241 hectares of cropland, with maize, sorghum, millet, and rice among the impacted crops.

26/06/2025

Yes, formulating your own livestock feed is one of the most cost-effective and sustainable strategies you can adopt as a livestock farmer. It allows you to cut down on the high costs of commercial feeds while tailoring the nutrition to meet the specific needs of your animals.

👉🏽 But here's the golden rule:
If you're serious about saving money and maximizing profits, grow your own major ingredients — maize, soya beans, sunflower, etc.

Why?

✅ It gives you full control over input quality.
✅ It significantly reduces your production costs.
✅ It shields you from fluctuating market prices.
✅ It promotes true self-reliance and food security on your farm.

Remember, feed costs can account for up to 70% of total production expenses in livestock farming. Producing your own feed ingredients ensures long-term sustainability and higher profit margins.

💡Think smart. Integrate crop production with your livestock enterprise and watch your agribusiness thrive!

26/06/2025

Save the Date!

Join us at the Zambia International Trade Fair Business Seminar on July 3rd, 2025!

Venue: Main Arena Grounds
Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

We look forward to seeing you there!

22/06/2025

Farmers urged to ensure climate - Smart Agriculture

Farmers in Zambezi district have been urged to take deliberate actions to adopt best agricultural practices that enhance crop productivity and protect the environment, thereby transforming the district into a model of climate smart agriculture.

Mr. Wellington Mwangu, the District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) standing in for the District Commissioner, stressed the critical role of innovation and adapting to new technologies in the face of climate change.

Ms Majory Kakola Dauchi, the provincial agricultural and society chairperson was also in attendance and echoed the pressing need for farmers to adopt climate change adaption strategies, such as implementing climate resilient agricultural methods to maintain agricultural production and ensure food security in the district.

The acting District Agricultural coordinator Mr. Malungo Himoonga says climate change is real, bringing droughts, floods and unpredictable rains to zambezi district.

.9FM

21/06/2025

CHISAMBA DC ADVISES FARMERS TO PRACTICE MIXED FARMING

Chisamba District Commissioner, Joel Mboyoma, has called on farmers in the district to adopt climate adaptation strategies so as to cushion the adverse impact of climate change on their agricultural activities.

Mr Mboyoma cited irrigation farming, water harvesting, conservation agriculture, crop rotation and planting drought tolerant crops as some of the climate adaptation measures farmers can employ.

He said farmers need to embrace these strategies in order to remain productive in the wake of harsh weather patterns.

ZANIS reports that Mr Mboyoma said this during the Chisamba district agriculture show which was held at Chowa Primary School grounds under the theme “Adapting to Climate Change.”

He stated that farmers should also diversify their agricultural production by integrating crop farming, livestock farming, aquaculture and value addition in their farming activities.

Mr Mboyoma said this would maximise income generation at household level and guarantee food security.

Earlier, Chisamba District Show Society Chairperson, Jackson Mwendelwa, urged farmers to embrace sustainable agriculture practices in the wake of climate change.

Zanis

21/06/2025

How can you tell if a cassava has high water content? One simple method—especially before buying—is to take a bite of the raw tuber (but don’t swallow it). You’ll quickly feel how watery it is. I bit one today, and honestly, it felt almost like cucumber—the water content was extremely high.

Here are some other ways to identify high water content…
1. Weight vs Yield: If the tuber feels heavy but gives very little gari or flour after processing, it likely has high water content.

2. Peeling and Grinding: When you peel and grind the cassava, you’ll notice it produces a lot of watery paste, but after pressing and drying, the quantity reduces drastically.

3. Frying Behavior: During garri frying, cassava with high water content tends to take longer to dry and doesn't swell well.

4. Texture: High-water cassava feels softer and more watery when you cut or press it, unlike drier varieties that are firm.

A.D FARM

21/06/2025

It's commonly observed that cassava stems perform better when they're allowed to rest for about 24 hours after being cut, especially if the roots haven't been harvested yet. Planting freshly cut, standing stems immediately often results in slower sprouting and weaker growth. This traditional practice, passed down by experienced farmers, is likely linked to physiological changes the stem undergoes after detachment. I've also experimented with it, and the results support what the older generation of farmers has always said.

A.D FARM

21/06/2025

CEJ AWARDS GRANTS RANGING FROM K15,000 TO K50,000 TO BOOST COMMUNITY RESILIENCE IN SINAZONGWE

The Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) has awarded grants to support Sinazongwe cooperatives and savings groups ranging from K15,000 to K50,000.

The savings groups received K15000 and the cooperatives K50000.

This came to light in Sinazongwe District, Southern Province, during the Resilient Initiatives for Sustainable Environment (RISE) Project Grants Award Ceremony powered by Bread for the World Germany.

CEJ Executive Director Maggie Mapalo Mwape emphasized the organization’s commitment to fostering community-led solutions that promote sustainability and resilience.

Ms Mwape highlighted the importance of empowering rural communities to become drivers of environmental protection and economic empowerment.

She applauded the awardees—four cooperatives and three savings groups—for their innovation and perseverance in tackling environmental challenges.

Ms Mwape noted that the RISE Project is not just about financial aid, but about building stronger, self-reliant communities.

Meanwhile, Sinazongwe District Administrative Officer Brian Siwelwa, speaking on behalf of District Commissioner Nchimunya Siakole, said the RISE Project showcases the strength of collective action and community-driven solutions.

He said the initiatives align with national goals for inclusive growth and resource conservation.

At the same function, Sinazongwe Town Council Advocate Brian Nsombo, delivering a speech on behalf of the Council Secretary Choolwe Maunga, commended the cooperatives and savings groups for their inspiring work in promoting sustainability and community empowerment.



Earlier, Chieftainess Sinazongwe emphasized that the grants are more than financial support as they symbolize belief in a shared future rooted in unity, heritage, and responsible land stewardship.

She encouraged the awardees to continue inspiring change and called on all stakeholders to walk toge

20/06/2025

Government has started hauling the last consignment of the 650,000 metric tonnes of maize, which was imported from Tanzania.

18/06/2025

Every thriving agribusiness starts with a vision — but it takes more than just a dream to make it real. Here's the path every smart farmer should follow:

🌟 Dream It — Start with Strategic Planning. Know where you're going, why it matters, and how you'll get there.

🌾 Grow It — Focus on Production. Choose the right crops or livestock, apply the best practices, and nurture them with care.

🔧 Do It — Master Farm Operations. Day-to-day management is where success is built — from land prep to harvest.

📈 Sell It — Apply Marketing Strategies. Know your market, build your brand, and connect with your customers.

💰 Manage It — Control Farm Finances. Budget wisely, track expenses, and invest in what brings returns.

🛡️ Keep It — Prioritize Risk Management. Protect your farm from pests, climate change, disease, and market volatility.

☆ Farming isn’t guesswork — it’s a strategy. Build smart. Grow strong. Harvest success. 🌾🔥

18/06/2025

NUSFAZ says private maize buyers hike prices after FRA’s K340 benchmark!

The National Union for Small-Scale Farmers in Zambia-NUSFAZ- says private maize buyers have significantly increased their purchase prices following the Food Reserve Agency-FRA-'s K340 maize buying price per 50-kilogram bag, an encouraging development for smallholder farmers.

NUSFAZ Executive Director Ebony Lolozhi says before the FRA's announcement, private traders were reportedly offering between K100 and K200 per 50kg bag to desperate small-scale farmers, with the new benchmark set by the FRA compelling private buyers to offer more competitive prices.

Mr. Lolozhi says the price increase is expected to stimulate competition among buyers during the current marketing season, with further motivation coming from the FRA which intends to purchase between 600,000 to 1 million metric tons of maize in the ongoing maize marketing season.

He tells Phoenix News that this environment will ultimately empower farmers to make better choices and earn more from their harvests, including from grain traders who have indicated willingness to offer competitive prices.

Mr. Lolozhi is urging government and stakeholders to continue supporting policies that create fair market conditions and to strengthen storage and transport infrastructure to ensure that farmers take full advantage of the improved pricing environment.

-Radio Phoenix

18/06/2025

Zambia Removed from the list of Global Hunger Hotspots

By Joy Nyambe

Zambia is among six Southern African countries that have been removed from the list of global hunger hotspots.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation- FAO- and the World Food Programme -WFP- have announced the removal of Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe from the list of global hunger hotspots.

The development, outlined in the latest "Hunger Hotspots 2025" report, reflects improvements in food security across the six countries.

The progress is attributed to effective interventions, favorable climatic conditions and enhanced coordination in the fight against hunger.

And FAO Sub-regional Coordinator for Southern Africa PATRICE TALLA has described the listing as a momentous achievement for the SADC region and a testament to the hard work and dedication of communities, governments, and partner organisations.

Mr. TALLA said the removal of the six Southern African countries from the global hunger hotspots list is a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with concerted efforts and strategic interventions, progress towards achieving zero hunger is possible.

He said the move offers inspiration to other regions facing similar challenges and reinforces the importance of investing in food security and resilience building.

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