Agri Business News

31/12/2025

CENTRAL PROVINCE RECEIVES FAW ARMYWORM CHEMICALS…INFESTATION AT 6.2 PER CENT

By MOSES NYATI

FALL armyworms is a pest of economic importance. The pest is a major threat to Zambian maize farmers, causing significant crop loss and food insecurity. As a response to this cause, government through the Ministry of Agriculture has distributed various chemicals and equipment to Central province to help fight the pest.

Speaking in an interview, Senior Field Crop Officer, Samuel Simusandu disclosed the province has received fall armyworm chemicals totaling 5,000 litres of Karate Lambda and 5,000 kilogramme of Emamectine Benzoate.

“The province additionally received 220 knapsack sprayers to be used in the control of the pest,”
Mr Simusandu said.

He said the chemicals and the knapsack sprayers were already being distributed to all the 11 districts of the province.

Mr Simusandu was however quick to state that the infestation rate of the pest in the province is still very low standing at six point two per cent with Kapiri Mposhi, Chisamba and Mkushi districts recording the highest.

“So far 185 camps have been affected out of the provincial total of 308 camps and that 73,000 households with area totaling 6,000hectares have been affected,” he said.

In addition to the preparedness, Mr Simusandu said the province received and distributed 296 pheromone traps for early detection of the pest in the fields.

Mr Simusandu added the province was also promoting the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) which involved the use of pheromone traps and biological control, and that farmers were trained in scouting and eco-friendly methods to manage widespread attacks and yield losses. -NAIS

30/12/2025

🌽 GOOD NEWS FOR FARMERS 🌽

Government has announced that farmers will be paid by 10 January 2025 for crops supplied under the Food Reserve Agency programme.

This payment comes at a critical time, helping farmers prepare for the new farming season, buy inputs, and support household livelihoods.

👏 We commend farmers for their patience and continued contribution to national food security. Timely payments mean stronger confidence, better planning, and a more resilient agricultural sector.

📢 Farmers are encouraged to stay engaged with Food Reserve Agency and local authorities for updates on disbursements.

28/12/2025

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE URGED TO TAP CDF
By SOPHIA MUSONDA
KABWE Municipal Council Town Clerk, Jovax Ngoma, urged the Ministry of Agriculture to tap into the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to boost various projects that can be of benefit to the farmers in the district.
Speaking during the end-of-year party, Mr Ngoma noted that other departments, such as health and education, have benefitted from the CDF from 2022 to 2025, unlike agriculture.
“Interact with the Ward Development Committees and help farmers to apply for projects under agriculture, such as buying agricultural inputs and many more,” Mr Ngoma said.
He stated Ministry of Agriculture too can apply for Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to boost the sector.
“We are no longer from different departments, but we are all under one umbrella with devolved functions,” he said.
Mr Ngoma noted that the funds could build extension officers’ houses, storage sheds, and improve roads and bridges in agricultural zones.
In Kabwe’s integrated plan, agriculture is one of the premium programmes,” Mr Ngoma said.
He commended the officers for their hard work and encouraged them to maintain their spirit.
Kabwe District Agriculture Coordinator, Kokila Mwanza, acknowledged officers’ commitment to duty, highlighting their efforts in programmes such as the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) and Sustainable Agricultural Financing Facility (SAFF).
“Your commitment to duty in serving farmers through various programmes will not go unnoticed,” she said.
Ms Mwanza lauded the officers for their dedication and encouraged them to embrace devolution and foster stronger ties with council officials. -NAIS

27/12/2025

SOUTHERN PROVINCE FARMERS ELATED WITH FISP E-VOUCHER MODALITY
By MAIWASE ZULU
FARMERS in Southern province are breathing a sigh of relief as the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) e-voucher system continues to yield positive results. The programme which has been rolled out across the country has seen significant improvements in transparency, efficiency and farmer choice.
The e-voucher system has empowered farmers to select inputs that meet their specific needs, strengthened private sector participation and improved delivery efficiency. This has led to a surge in agro-dealer participation injecting new life in rural economies. The increased competition has also driven down costs making inputs more affordable for farmers.
Isaac Moonga, a small scale farmer of Mazabuka district in Southern province who has been benefiting from FISP since 2013 says the FISP programme has been a game changer. He has brought significant changes to his farming by investing in assets like a tractor, ripper and cattle while improving his practices through mechanization.
Mr Moonga now appreciates the flexibility of the e-voucher system which allows farmers to access a range of inputs including herbicides, insecticides and a variety of seed.
“The e-voucher system is a huge improvement over the Direct Input Supply (DIS) system which had issues of unfair allocations of inputs among members of cooperatives as well as hustle of queuing for inputs. With e-voucher, I redeem my inputs alone and I know exactly what am getting,” he shared
Mr Isaac Moonga’s sentiments echoes among other farmers like Theresa Namaala, a vibrant farmer from Kalomo district. She is one of the beneficiaries of FISP under the e-voucher modality.
“The e-voucher system has given me the freedom to make choices and control my farming business. By early September this year, I had already redeemed my inputs which enabled me to plant on time,” Ms Namaala said.
Theresa Namaala’s farming experience is a testament to the impact of FISP under the e-voucher modality. She is optimistic that the quality inputs she received will translate to increased yields and improved livelihood.
Prudence Mazila, a seasoned farmer from Monze district with a decade of experience lauds the bonding of maize by Food Reserve Agency (FRA) as farmers who had bonded last year automatically received redemption codes this year helping them get inputs on time.
The implementation of FISP through the e-voucher system has streamlined the input supply chain, reducing delays and ensuring timely access to critical farming inputs. Farmers are now able to access quality inputs which is expected to lead to improved crop yields and enhanced food security prospects.
Ministry of Agriculture, Senior Agricultural officer for Kalomo, Oscar Makuyu disclosed that out 31,000 farmers on the FISP list in Kalomo 22,248 farmers by early December had already redeemed inputs. He also noted that there has been an increase in the number of farmers who have redeemed their inputs and participated in the 2025/2026 season compared to previous years.
“The transition from DIS to e-voucher has increased the number of packs and crop diversity this year has also increased as farmers are able to choose different seeds to redeem, Mr Makuyu observed.
The E-voucher system has also brought about improved accountability and transparency in the distribution of inputs whilst reducing the risk of diversion and ensuring that farmers receive the support they need. This has boosted farmer confidence in the programme leading to increased participation and redemption rates.
Ministry of Agriculture District Marketing Officer for Kalomo, Ernest Koti, highlighted that the system has helped to improve their targeting of beneficiaries and reduce errors. He also noted that the integration of the FRA to the system has simplified the process as redeeming codes are sent on time.
And Ministry of Agriculture District Coordinator, Dennis Moonga, for Monze observes that the E-voucher system is working well in Monze district.
“It has brought competition among agro-dealers which has led to reduced costs for farmers. We are seeing more farmers accessing quality inputs and in good time,” Mr Moonga said.
The impact of FISP is not limited to individual farmers as it is also contributing to the country’s economic growth. The programme has created employment opportunities for many Zambians from agro dealers to logistic providers. In addition, the increased agricultural production is expected to contribute to the country’s gross domestic product and reduce reliance on imports.
As FISP continues to evolve and expand, it is clear that the programme is making positive impact on the lives of Zambian farmers. With increased access to quality inputs and enhanced food security prospects, farmers are empowered to improve livelihoods and contribute to the country’s economic growth. The future looks bright for Zambian agriculture and FISP is playing a significant role in driving this progress. -NAIS

25/12/2025

24/12/2025

TBZ,NCZ PACT SPARKS NEW HOPE FOR ZAMBIA’S TO***CO FARMERS

By Penjani Nzima

IN A DECISIVE move that signals renewed confidence in Zambia’s to***co value chain, the To***co Board of Zambia (TBZ) has sealed a strategic partnership with Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ).

This is a collaboration poised to ease farmers’ biggest headache: the high cost and limited availability of fertiliser.

The five-year alliance, anchored on local production and crop-specific inputs, could redefine how to***co is grown, financed and sustained in the country.

Announcing the partnership at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) yesterday, TBZ executive director Robert Mwale said to***co remains a critical pillar of Zambia’s agricultural economy, contributing about three percent to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“To***co is one of the contributors to the economy and as the sector grows, so does the ripple effect benefiting growers, transporters and other stakeholders,” Mr. Mwale said, underscoring the crop’s far-reaching impact beyond the farm gate.

At the heart of the TBZ–NCZ collaboration is a shared ambition to lift productivity while lowering costs for farmers. Under the agreement, NCZ will supply crop-specific fertilisers manufactured at its newly commissioned blending plant—inputs designed specifically to meet the nutritional needs of to***co, rather than the generic fertilisers farmers have long relied on.

For years, the to***co sector has been weighed down by expensive imported fertilisers, a burden that has squeezed margins and discouraged expansion.

The shift to locally produced, tailored fertiliser is expected to help farmers increase yields, improve leaf quality and cut production costs, restoring confidence in the crop’s profitability.

Mr. Mwale revealed that the partnership directly supports TBZ’s broader strategic vision to grow national to***co output beyond 100 million kilogrammes by 2028—an ambitious target that hinges on reliable inputs, farmer training and smarter agronomic practices.

“Partnerships like this are critical if we are to achieve our production targets and ensure that farmers truly benefit from the growth of the sector,” he said.

From the manufacturing side, NCZ chief executive officer Chanda Mongo said the company has invested heavily in domestic fertiliser production, recently commissioning two plants—a granulating plant and a blending plant—with a combined annual capacity of 288,000 metric tonnes.

“These plants allow us to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach,” Mr. Mongo said. “We are now producing fertilisers that are tailored to specific crops, including to***co, to ensure maximum efficiency and profitability for farmers.”

Mr. Mongo added that local production will significantly reduce the costs associated with imports, savings that are expected to trickle down to farmers in the form of more affordable fertiliser and improved access ahead of planting seasons.

“This partnership enables us to provide to***co farmers with fertilisers that are specifically designed to maximise yields, reduce production costs and grow our economy,” he said.

Beyond numbers and capacity, the TBZ–NCZ agreement represents a broader shift in Zambia’s agricultural policy direction—one that prioritises local value addition, strategic partnerships and farmer-centred solutions.

As fertiliser becomes more accessible and affordable, the real test will be seen in farmers’ fields: healthier crops, better grades and stronger incomes.

If successful, the collaboration could serve as a blueprint for other crop sectors, proving that when regulators and manufacturers work together, agriculture can move from survival to sustainable growth—one harvest at a time.

23/12/2025

DMMU CAUTIONS MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON ANTICIPATED FLASH FLOODS IN THE NEXT 24 HOURS
___________________________________________________________________________
23rd December, 2025
The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) in the Office of the Vice President wishes to inform and caution members of the public on the anticipated flash floods as forecasted by the Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) under the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment.
According to the Flash Floods/Floods Monitor issued by ZMD on Tuesday, 23rd December, 2025, which is valid for a period of 24 hours, flash floods and flooding is anticipated in several parts of the country, particularly in areas classified as high risk and medium risk, as indicated in the forecast. The affected regions include Southern, Lusaka, Central, Luapula, Northern, Muchinga and Eastern Provinces, among others.
The anticipated floods are attributed to persistent and heavy downpour associated with the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and the Congo Air Boundary, which are currently influencing weather patterns across the country.
In view of this forecast, DMMU is strongly urging members of the public, especially those residing in flood-prone areas, to strictly adhere to the advisories issued by the Zambia Meteorological Department and the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit, which include the following:
(i) Avoid flooded areas, including streams and rivers;
(ii) Refrain from driving or walking through flooded roads and during heavy rainfall; and
(iii) Ensure that surroundings are kept clear of debris to allow free flow of water.
The public is further advised to remain alert, monitor weather updates from official Government channels, and take precautionary measures to safeguard lives, property, and livelihoods. Communities are encouraged to cooperate with local authorities and our disaster response teams should the need for evacuation or other emergency measures arise.
DMMU structures at all levels remains on high alert and continues to work closely with the Zambia Meteorological Department and other stakeholders to monitor the situation and coordinate response efforts where necessary. Members of the public are also urged to report any disaster incidents to their local authorities or District Disaster Management Committees (DDMCs). Reports can also be made by calling the DMMU Toll-Free Line 909 for prompt assistance.
The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit is mandated by law, through the Disaster Management Act No. 13 of 2010, to warn communities at risk of impending hazards so that they can take early action to avert or minimize the loss of human lives, damage to property, livelihoods, and the environment. Furthermore, the Unit coordinates all early warning activities in the country to ensure the timely issuance of informative and coherent early warning information to the public.

Issued by:
[Original copy signed]
Mathews Musukwa
Senior Communications Officer
Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit
Office of the Vice President

17/12/2025

ZAMBIA SIGNS USD 30 MILLION CLIMATE DEAL TO DELIVER COMMUNITY BENEFITS IN EASTERN PROVINCE

December 15, 2025

Lusaka – The New Dawn Government, through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, has taken a significant step toward a people-centred green economy with the signing of the Nested Emission Reduction Performance Agreement (NERPA) between the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme, and BioCarbon Partners (BCP), held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka this morning.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mike Elton Mposha, Permanent Secretary Dr. Douty Chibamba described the agreement as historic, noting that it formally nests a private REDD+ project within a government-led jurisdictional framework, thereby strengthening transparency, accountability, and benefit-sharing.

Dr. Chibamba assured the commitment of the Government of the Republic of Zambia, under the leadership of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, to ensuring that communities receive fair and equitable benefits from carbon markets.

The agreement follows the successful signing of 56 chiefdom-level emission reduction agreements, demonstrating strong traditional leadership support and community participation in forest conservation and sustainable land use.

Dr. Chibamba further revealed that the Eastern Province programme is projected to generate about 28.9 million tonnes of carbon credits, with revenues shared at 55 percent to communities, 30 percent to private developers, and 15 percent to government operations, ensuring rural households receive the largest share.

World Bank Country Manager Achim Fock reaffirmed the institution’s support, disclosing that USD 30 million has been secured for the purchase of verified carbon credits, aimed at promoting climate resilience, food security, and sustainable livelihoods.

BCP Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Mudaly said the agreement validates community-led conservation, noting that communities under the Luangwa Community Forest Project will receive USD 3 million in final payments.

Delivering a vote of thanks, Chieftainess Msoro of Mambwe District said carbon revenues are improving livelihoods, reinforcing why forest protection matters to citizens. The deal is expected to translate climate action into tangible benefits for rural communities.

17/12/2025

Raising pigs in the rainy season requires some extra care to keep 'em healthy and thriving 😊. Here are some tips:

1. *Shelter is key*: Ensure your pigsty is sturdy, dry, and well-ventilated. Fix any leaks, and provide enough bedding like straw or sawdust to keep 'em dry.
2. *Drainage matters*: Make sure the area around the pigsty has proper drainage to prevent waterlogging. You don't want your pigs wading through mud!
3. *Keep 'em clean*: Regularly clean the pigsty, and provide fresh water and food. This'll help prevent diseases.
4. *Vaccinate and deworm*: Consult a vet to ensure your pigs are up-to-date on vaccinations and deworming.
5. *Monitor health*: Keep an eye out for signs of illness, like coughing or lethargy, and get vet help ASAP if you notice anything off.

17/12/2025

ZNS VOWS TO BOOST FOOD PRODUCTION, SAFEGUARD NATIONAL SUPPLIES AND STAY APOLITICAL

The Zambia National Service (ZNS) has reaffirmed it's commitment to scaling up agricultural production, protecting national food supplies and to remain politically neutral as the country heads toward the 2026 general elections.

Speaking on behalf of ZNS Commander at the Luapula Region Officers’ Annual Ball held at ZNS Luamfumu in Mansa, Brigadier General Likando Lubasi praised the region for strong performance in beef cattle ranching, poultry and horticultural production, describing it as a key contributor to regional food supply and national food security.

Brig Gen Lubasi said ZNS Luamfumu had also continued to discharge its defence mandate professionally, safeguarding Zambia’s territorial integrity while supporting food security efforts.

Looking ahead, he challenged the Luapula Region to embrace climate-resilient farming practices, invest in irrigation using the province’s abundant water bodies, and significantly expand cattle, poultry and horticultural ventures.

“As we prepare for 2026, the priority must be increased productivity, diversified food production and the adoption of modern farming techniques,” he said.

Brig Gen Lubasi added that expanding production would require stronger partnerships with traditional leaders to acquire more land for greenfield expansion, as well as deeper collaboration with government agencies, communities and cooperating partners.

"Our Republican President and Comander-in-Chief of the Defence Force Mr Hakainde Hichilema expects the military to rapidly harness Luapula’s agricultural, tourism and fish-farming potential and position the province as a major contributor to Zambia’s Gross Domestic Product," he emphasized.

In a firm reminder ahead of the election year, Brig Gen Lubasi cautioned officers against partisan politics.

“Our role is to maintain peace and stability and support democratic processes. We must remain neutral, professional and loyal to the government of the day,” he said.

The event also marked a warm welcome for newly commissioned officers, who were urged to uphold the core ZNS values of discipline, hard work and service.

17/12/2025

Dear farmers please take note

16/12/2025

Credit: Livestock farmer

FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE ESTABLISHING YOUR LIVESTOCK FARM

1. Purpose of Farming
Decide if your goal is for meat, milk, eggs, breeding, income, or household consumption.

2. Type of Livestock
Choose animals suitable for your area (cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, rabbits, fish, etc.).

3. Location and Land Availability
Ensure the land is secure, accessible, well-drained, and safe from flooding and theft.

4. Capital and Budget
Consider cost of animals, housing, feed, drugs, labor, and emergency expenses.

5. Feed Availability and Cost
Check availability of pasture, feed ingredients, and commercial feeds throughout the year.

6. Water Supply
Clean and sufficient water is very important for animal health and production.

7. Housing and Equipment
Plan for proper housing, ventilation, space, feeders, drinkers, and biosecurity.

8. Knowledge and Skills
Have basic knowledge of management, feeding, disease signs, and record keeping.

9. Disease Control and Veterinary Services
Access to vaccines, drugs, and a veterinary officer is very important.

10. Market Access
Know where and how you will sell your animals or products before you start.

11. Labour Availability
Consider if you will manage alone or employ trained workers.

12. Climate and Environment
Temperature, rainfall, and seasonal changes affect animal performance.

13. Government Policies and Regulations
Be aware of livestock laws, movement restrictions, and vaccination requirements.

14. Risk Management
Prepare for disease outbreak, feed scarcity, price changes, and losses.