Agri Business News

22/11/2025

The two-row planting system is an agricultural technique where two rows of crops are planted close together, with a wider gap between the pairs of rows. This method can help with:
- Increased yields
- Better soil conservation
- Easier access for maintenance and harvesting

It's commonly used for crops like maize, beans, and other row crops.

In maize (corn) farming, the two-row planting system typically involves planting two rows of maize close together (about 30-40 cm apart) with a wider gap (about 90-120 cm) between the pairs of rows. This layout can help with:
- Improved soil moisture retention
- Reduced soil erosion
- Easier mechanization and harvesting
- Potential for intercropping in the wider gaps

22/11/2025

Enhancing Extension Services Through Farmer Feedback

Dr. Oliver Kandela Bulaya, the Projects & Communication Lead for the Conservation Farming Unit (CFU), concluded a series of field visits to several areas in Central and Southern Provinces, covering districts such as: Chibombo, Mumbwa, Shibuyunji, Chikankata and Mazabuka.

The purpose of the visit was to assess farmers' preparedness for the 2025/2026 planting season and to evaluate the knowledge they gained during training sessions. Additionally, to hear directly from farmers about their challenges and gaps, which will assist CFU in improving its extension delivery.

Accompanying Dr. Bulaya was Phillip Mukanda, an auditor representing CIMMYT, an organization that has been instrumental in supporting CFU through the Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative, which concluded in July 2025.

During their visit, the duo met with farmers both individually and in groups. It was inspiring to witness the tangible impact that CFU is making in transforming the agricultural landscape while also gaining insights into existing gaps.

We sincerely thank all the farmers that made themselves available for this noble task.

Through the promotion of conservation agriculture and the enhancement of vital value chains, these efforts significantly boost productivity and foster sustainable farming practice.

Conservation Farming Pays.

CFU Communications.

20/11/2025

🌶️ MUCHA GREENFIELDS AGRO LTD 🌶️
Committed to Supporting Our Farmers — Today and Always!

At Mucha Greenfields Agro Ltd, we believe that every farmer deserves reliable support, quality guidance, and a partner they can trust. That is why our mandate remains the same:
👉 To serve you better. To walk with you. To help you grow.

Whether you are part of our Out-Grower Scheme or working with us for the first time, we are here to provide:
✔️ Continuous technical support
✔️ Reliable market access
✔️ Quality inputs and trusted agronomic guidance
✔️ A team dedicated to your success

📣 Farmers, stay connected with us — your growth is our mission.
Let’s build a stronger, more productive farming community together!

MUCHA GREENFIELDS AGRO LTD
Together we Grow, Together we Win

20/11/2025

Breaking News 🚨🇳🇬 Davido is proving once again that he’s not just a global superstar — he’s a nation builder! According to his empowerment scheme, OBO has officially stepped into the agricultural sector, taking it upon himself to empower farmers across Nigeria. The singer is providing 1,000 tractors and brand-new farming tools to support local farmers and boost food production nationwide. 🌾🚜 This isn’t just philanthropy — this is impact, innovation, and vision. At a time when food security is a major conversation, Davido is choosing to invest where it matters most: the hands that feed the nation. From music to charity to investments, Davido keeps showing why he’s a national treasure and a global force. OBO isn’t just changing lives — he’s changing the future of Nigeria. Source: [Davido Fanbase]

20/11/2025

20/11/2025

TO***CO PLANT COMMISSIONED IN KABWE

President Hakainde Hichilema has officially commissioned the 30 million United States Dollar Great Leaf To***co processing plant in Kabwe, describing the investment as a strong indication of growing confidence in Zambia’s economic policies and the expanding opportunities within the agricultural sector.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by Minister of Agriculture Mtolo Phiri, President Hichilema said the new facility embodies government’s commitment to transforming agriculture from subsistence to a modern, commercially driven industry anchored on value addition, job creation and improved farmer incomes.

The plant is expected to create 700 direct jobs, with hundreds more to emerge through indirect opportunities for transporters, suppliers and local service providers.

***coprocessingplant

19/11/2025

🚨 AVOID THESE COMMON MISTAKES WHEN GROWING MAIZE 🚨

Successful maize farming requires proper planning and ex*****on. Avoid these 20 costly mistakes to maximize your yield and profits:

🌱 Land Preparation & Planting Mistakes

❌ 1. Poor land preparation – Reduces soil aeration and yield potential.
❌ 2. Using low-quality seeds – Leads to poor germination and weak plants.
❌ 3. Incorrect spacing – Causes overcrowding and competition for nutrients.
❌ 4. Neglecting soil testing – Misses key nutrient deficiencies affecting growth.
❌ 5. Late planting – Exposes crops to drought or unfavorable weather.

🌾 Fertilization & Watering Mistakes

❌ 6. Improper fertilizer application – Overuse burns crops, while underuse leads to poor growth.
❌ 7. Overwatering or underwatering – Stresses plants, reducing yields.
❌ 8. Planting in poor soil – Results in weak growth and low productivity.
❌ 9. Improper irrigation – Leads to uneven growth and moisture stress.

🌿 W**d, Pest & Disease Management Mistakes

❌ 10. Inadequate w**d control – W**ds compete for nutrients and water.
❌ 11. Ignoring pest and disease management – Increases crop losses.
❌ 12. Lack of crop rotation – Depletes soil nutrients and increases disease risks.

🌽 Harvest & Post-Harvest Mistakes

❌ 13. Harvesting too early or too late – Affects grain quality and market value.
❌ 14. Poor storage conditions – Leads to spoilage and post-harvest losses.

📊 Management & Planning Mistakes

❌ 15. Failure to scout fields regularly – Misses early signs of problems.
❌ 16. Ignoring market trends – Can result in unsold produce or low profits.
❌ 17. Using outdated farming techniques – Reduces efficiency and productivity.
❌ 18. Overlooking weather patterns – Risks crop failure due to climate changes.
❌ 19. Neglecting equipment maintenance – Causes breakdowns and delays.
❌ 20. Lack of record-keeping – Makes it hard to track progress and plan better.

OrganiX Agri

19/11/2025

GOVT PAYS OVER K6.1 BILLION TO FARMERS

The Government has so far paid out K6,159,350,000 to farmers who supplied maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) during the 2025 Crop Marketing Season, Minister of Agriculture Reuben Mtolo told Parliament this afternoon.

Delivering a ministerial statement, Mr. Mtolo said the amount includes K4,882,358,574.64 paid directly to farmers and K1,276,991,425.36 spent on auxiliary costs related to the maize purchase programme.

The minister explained that although FRA had initially planned to buy 543,000 metric tonnes of maize at a cost of K3.69 billion, the agency received an overwhelming response following a bumper harvest.

As a result, farmers supplied 1,667,921.15 metric tonnes of maize worth K11.31 billion, from 846,655 farmers across the country — representing a 307% increase above the planned target. This pushed the extra cost for the surplus to K7.62 billion.

Mr. Mtolo emphasised that Government allowed farmers to continue depositing maize to ensure they obtained a fair price and to safeguard the national grain supply.

He also assured Parliament that Government is “making arrangements for the balance to be paid and will continue until the last farmer is paid.”

The 2025 crop marketing season opened on 30th June 2025 and closed on 31st October 2025, with all the maize now confirmed to be in safe storage.

CC: Ministry Of Agriculture

19/11/2025

YALELO UGANDA, AFRICA📍

Biogas Technology In Zambia. is excited to announce signing of a contract with Yalelo Uganda to construct a 200m³ commercial biodigester plant in support of their ongoing cage expansion project.

Yalelo Uganda is a leading sustainable producer of tilapia, operating modern cage aquaculture systems on Lake Victoria. Our biodigester installation will help enhance their environmental management and support cleaner, greener operations.

Our team arrived in Uganda almost a week ago, and construction works are already well underway. We look forward to delivering a system that supports both productivity and sustainability.

19/11/2025

Mealie-Meal Exports Hit 50,000 Tonnes

The Millers Association of Zambia –MAZ- says its members have exported over 50,000 metric tonnes of mealie-meal since August this year, when the exports were approved.

This is out of the Government-approved export target of 167,000 tonnes.

Association President ANDREW CHINTALA told ZNBC News that millers are working closely with the Zambia Bureau of Standards –ZABS- and the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency –ZCSA- in the export programme.

Mr. CHINTALA explained that this collaboration is aimed at ensuring that all exported mealie-meal meets international standards.
Znbc

16/11/2025

CEEC FUNDS K8.4MILLION AQUA FISH MARKETING COOPERATIVE
By ANGELA KABAMBA
GOVERNMENT through the Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) has funded Aqua Fish Marketing Cooperative, a Senanga Cage Fish Farming Project at a cost of K8.4 million.
Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Elias Mubanga, who commissioned the project noted that majority of the people in the province are into fishing activities.
“The project will help uplift the livelihoods of people in Senanga, Western province and the country, including youths and women” Mr Mubanga said.
CEEC Director General, Muwe Mungule, said the project is a strategic initiative that aims to transform the aquaculture landscape, and set a precedence for sustainable inclusive development across the nation.
“This is a launch of opportunities, innovation and prosperity for the people of Senanga and the province,” Dr Mungule said.
He stated the project strategically leverages on the abundant water resources of the Zambezi River to address Zambia’s growing demand for fish production.
“42, 000 fingerings have already been stocked, and the commission is working in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. They decided to take a phased approach ensuring consistency in production and mitigating the risks of demand over supply, which guarantees sustainably returns on the fish producers,” he added.
Dr Mungule noted the project is an integrated aquaculture hub comprising of cage culture system, the modern hatchery capable of producing more than one million fingerlings, and infrastructure including a cold room refrigerated truck.
“CEEC is committed to establishing rural agro processing industries that will create employment and retain wealth within the communities. The commission project’s much more than fish production will be actualised,” he said.
Dr Mungule stated that the commission intends to invest in an aquaculture tourism facility with amenities such as accommodation facilities, food and drinks, entertainment facilities, boating facilities and aquaculture learning.
He revealed very soon, the commission will issue a call for application to targeted interested citizens to set-up such facilities with support from the commission.
“We pledge to undertake continuous monitoring to ensure sustainability and success. To the cooperative receiving this support, project sustainability depends on prudent management, dedication as well as accountability,” Dr Mungule said.
Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Director, Evans Mutanuka, noted that the project marks a significant step in collaborative efforts to transform fish production through aquaculture in Western province and beyond.
Mr Mutanuka stated the project brings together over 400 beneficiaries organised into four cooperatives, which have come together as a union with support from CEEC.
“Senanga aquaculture project has been equipped with key assets that make it one of the most organised community-based cage fish farming ventures in Zambia,” he said.
Mr Mutanuka stated the components include; 26 fish cages installed on the Zambezi River, a 5-tonne refrigerated truck dedicated to the transportation of harvested fish to markets and cold storage facilities, a cold storage stationed, which will be stationed in the district, digital monitoring tablets and surveillance systems for improved management and transparency.
“It is expected that at each harvesting cycle, approximately three metric tonnes of fish will be produced thereby giving an annual production of 26 metric tonnes,” he said.
Mr Mutanuka disclosed, plans are underway to establish a modern hatchery in Senanga district. Once operational, it will supply fingerlings to other emerging enterprises in the province, thus transforming the district into an aquaculture hub that will integrate fish breeding, grow-out, processing and marketing.
“The project directly aligns with the national fisheries and aquaculture policy as well as the ministerial strategy and the 8th National Development Plan, which aim at promoting aquaculture development, sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources in Rivers and lakes, enhance income generation and ensure food and nutritional security for Zambians,” Mr Mutanuka stated.
He said the project will create direct and indirect jobs, generate income for cooperatives, improve food security and reduce pressure on the national fish stocks.
On behalf of the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE), Induna Meimanene Patrick Iluba who represented the Right Honourable Ngambela Mukela Manyando expressed happiness that the launch of the project is not just a ceremony, but proof of collaborative governance and the strength of inclusive development.
“The Barotse Royal Establishment has always believed that development must focus on people and be driven locally, adding that the communities have remarkable entrepreneurial potential, and what they need are the tools, knowledge and resources to unlock the potential,” Ngambela Mukela Manyando said.
Aquaculture Fish Marketing Cooperative Chairperson, Augustine Mwika, thanked CEEC for the good gesture and pledged that the cooperative will be well managed to ensure sustainability. -NAIS

14/11/2025

27,900 FARMERS TO BE TRAINED IN CSA IN MUCHINGA PROVINCE BY DECEMBER
By SEBASTIAN CHIPAKO
CLIMATE change is a phenomenon that has hit the country and the world over adversely. Zambia in particular has experienced grave implications especially in the agriculture sector which has uncovered enormous vulnerabilities of the sector.
Effects of climate change including frequent flooding and droughts have been major occurrences over the years in our country. These have had negative impact on production and productivity subsequently affecting national and household food security. Suffice to conclude that the entire food system has had serious disruptions.
A number of responses have been propagated by government and other cooperating partners operating in the spheres of tackling effects of climate change, adaptation, mitigation and regeneration of forest cover and the environment.
One of the most recent interventions by government is the World Bank funded US$300 million Zambia Growth Opportunities Programme for Results (ZAMGROW) project which covers the entire country. This programme promotes agricultural diversification and sustainability.
In Muchinga province, the project was ignited by a training of trainers from all the districts of the province in Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) which is earmarked to be rolled out to 27,900 farmers before the end of the year.
The Trainer of Trainers (TOT) targeted officers from the districts who in turn are expected to train camp extension officers. The camp extension officers are then expected to train 150 farmers per camp.
In opening remarks of the TOT held in Mpika, Principal Agriculture Officer, Fred Chikuta, emphasised the need for districts to strive to reach and exceed the set target and give CSA knowledge to the farmers.
He explained the five year project has a lot of activities planned, which have started with sustainability and climate smart agriculture trainings this year.
Mr Chikuta stressed that if the knowledge is to be fully assimilated by farmers, there is need for mind-set change adding that increased adoption levels will be key in actualizing the set objectives of the project.
“Most of the farmers in this part of the country use Chitemene system. Farmers use a piece of land for some time and abandon it for another piece of land when it is no longer fertile. So the soil deemed infertile could be resuscitated for further use using these techniques,” he explained.
Mr Chikuta further revealed that the province targets to train 27,900 farmers in Climate Smart Agriculture in the province before the end of the year.
One of the participants, Clive Matengo, lamented the severity of the adverse effects of climate change coupled with bad agricultural practices such as the Chitemene system.
Mr Matengo, who is District Agricultural Coordinator for Kanchibiya, explained that huge chunks of land have been left bare exposing the good top fertile soils to the harshness of strong winds and floods.
He added that the project is timely and will help in restoring fertility of soils and enhance resilience of farmers to adverse effects of climate change.
A number of these CSA farming techniques have resounding rewards in the fight against adverse effects of climate change. These, to a larger extent have fostered resilience and mitigation among the farming communities where high production is still achieved amid effects of climate change.
Another participant of the training, Angela Mtonga, who is also Senior Agricultural Officer for Isoka District, revealed that the target set is achievable despite a few challenges that have been envisaged in mobilising the farmers during this period highly characterized by mass cultivation of farm land by farmers.
Ms Mtonga disclosed that a good number of camp extension officers have motor bikes which will make it easy to achieve the set target.
She has since appealed to the ZAMGROW project to consider procuring more motor bikes so that farmers are easily reached with these important lessons.
Some of the drivers of climate change such as poor agricultural practices are embedded in people’s culture and this requires a mind-set change to fully make a shift to new and more sustainable and environmentally friendly methods.
When this is done together with the roll out of CSA techniques it could potentially reduce the impact of adverse effects of climate change among the farming communities.
The devastating impact of droughts and floods in farming could largely be mitigated through these techniques and it is highly recommended that these are assimilated in the fabric of extension service delivery so that more farmers are trained continually. -NAIS