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"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.

09/12/2024

$850 MILLION SIMAMBA FERTILIZER PLANT TO PRODUCE MORE THAN 520,000 METRIC TONS OF UREA ONCE OPENED.

Siavonga, Southern Province – President Hakainde Hichilema has announced plans to open a state-of-the-art fertilizer plant in Simamba Chiefdom, a major step toward enhancing Zambia’s agricultural sector.

The plant, valued at $850 million USD, will produce fertilizer for the local market and beyond, creating the much-needed employment opportunities and boosting agricultural productivity.

Speaking during the Bagande Lwiindi Traditional Ceremony of the Tonga people, the President expressed his commitment to fostering agricultural development as a cornerstone of national growth.

The Lwiindi Ceremony, held annually to give thanks for rains and harvests, served as a fitting backdrop for the announcement.

President Hichilema, the first Zambian Head of State to attend this cultural festival, underscored the importance of integrating traditional heritage with modern progress.

The audience included 31 traditional leaders drawn from within the Southern Province and other parts of the country.

The President acknowledged the honor of being part of this year's event as he praised the Tonga people for preserving their rich cultural heritage and emphasized that agriculture remains the lifeblood of Zambia’s rural economy.

This year’s ceremony, themed “Preserving and Promoting Cultural Heritage,” symbolized unity and resilience with the President urging Zambians to remain hopeful, stating that "the Lord will answer the prayers of His people" as the government continues implementing inclusive development programs.

On behalf of His Royal Highness Chief Sumamba XI, a representative expressed gratitude to the President for his attendance and unwavering support.

The fertilizer company will be located in Simamba because, as the President explained, the government aims to spread development across all corners of the country.

The investment will create close to 3,000 jobs, and the company is expected to produce 520,000 metric tons of urea and 300,000 metric tons of synthetic ammonia.

The chief’s message highlighted key government achievements, including the increased Constituency Development Fund, which has grown from K1.6 million under the previous administration to an impressive K36.1 million. This increase, he noted, has significantly enhanced grassroots development.

The Bagande Lwiindi Ceremony, celebrated on the first Saturday of December each year, continues to unite Zambians in thanksgiving and cultural pride.

This year’s event was especially significant, showcasing a harmonious blend of tradition and progress as Zambia advances its agricultural and economic aspirations.

(C) THE FALCON

07/12/2024

The Meteorological Services Department says farmers should utilise the current dry spell for w**ding and other farming operations, with normal to above-normal rains predicted from this month to February next year.

Despite the predicted dry spell in the next seven days, farmers should take advantage of the situation to continue with their farming operations as the season is still favourable.

05/12/2024

GOVERNMENT EMPOWERS SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN MBALA WITH AGRICULTURAL MECHANISATION INITIATIVE

In a significant boost for small-scale farmers, the government, through the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC), has rolled out an Agricultural Mechanisation initiative in Mbala. This program aims to enhance agricultural productivity and support farmers in the region.

More than 10 cooperative unions in Mbala Constituency have already benefited from the initiative, receiving four brand new tractors and a variety of essential farming accessories. This support is seen as a transformative step under the New Dawn administration led by President Hakainde Hichilema.

Njavwa Simutowe, the Member of Parliament for Mbala and Luapula Province Minister, expressed his enthusiasm for the program, noting its potential to significantly enhance productivity among local farmers. “This initiative will efficiently and effectively elevate agricultural output in Mbala District,” he stated.

In addition to the mechanisation program, the government is working closely with commercial banks to expedite the processing of SAFF loans in Mbala District, ensuring that farmers have timely access to much-needed funding.

Simutowe also highlighted the broader economic impact of this empowerment, emphasizing that it will provide vital investment support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in both the agriculture and livestock sectors. This, in turn, is expected to stimulate growth in the value addition chain, benefiting small-scale farmers across the district.

As the government continues to prioritize agricultural development, local farmers can look forward to a more productive and prosperous future in Mbala.

04/12/2024

EU pledges more support to Small holder farmers
By Machona Kasambala

The European Union -EU- has announced that it will continue its support to small and medium enterprises and small holder farmers through initiatives such as the EIGHT HUNDRED MILLION KWACHA Enterprise Zambia Challenge Fund.

Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Zambia and COMESA, CLAUDIO BACIGALUPI says despite the implementation of the Enterprise challenge fund ending in 2025, the EU is planning to mobilize members states to secure more resources to continue the initiative.

Mr. BACIGALUPI says the Enterprise challenge fund has so far created about THREE THOUSAND full time jobs and improved access to markets for about 140 THOUSAND small holder farmers and the EU wants to see the initiative achieve greater impact.

The EU Head said this Kafue district during the launch of the fish farm and hatchery at Zambika Aqua Farm Limited supported by the EU and Enterprise Zambia Challenge Fund.

And officially launching the hatchery that has the capacity of producing 18 MILLION fingerlings per year, Fisheries and Livestock Minister PETER KAPALA says the establishment aligns with governments strategic goal of producing 460 MILLION fingerlings by 2025.

Engineer KAPALA who was represented by Director of Fisheries EVANS MUTANUKA says the hatchery will provide a dependable source of high quality fingerlings for local fish farmers and create sustainable economic opportunities for the communities in Kafue.

Meanwhile, Zambika Aqua Farm Project Manager DANNY MUBANGA says the project has trained and empowered over ONE THOUSAND smallholder fish farmers in various disciplines of the aquaculture value chain.

Mr. MUBANGA says the launch of the fish farm and hatchery has opened a new chapter in Kafue as it will contribute to improved food security, economic development, and well-being for the people.

04/12/2024

The Critical Role of Timely Weeding in Crop Success

Weeds are often underestimated in farming, yet they compete fiercely with crops for water, nutrients, and sunlight, significantly impacting yields. One of the most effective ways to manage w**ds is to remove them early, ideally when they are no more than 5-6 cm tall.

☆ Why Early Weeding Matters
• Efficiency: At 5-6 cm, one person can w**d a hectare in 8-10 days. Letting w**ds grow to 15 cm doubles the workload, taking 20-25 days for the same area.

• Crop Health: Taller w**ds severely harm crops by competing for essential resources and can cause stunted growth and reduced yields.

• Cost Saving: Early w**ding reduces labor costs and time spent managing larger, more established w**ds.

☆ Practical Tips for Timely Weeding
1. Inspect Fields Regularly: Check your fields weekly to identify and remove emerging w**ds early.
2. Plan for Weeding: Allocate time and labor in your schedule for w**ding at critical growth stages.
3. Use Mulch or Cover Crops: These help suppress w**d growth naturally by covering the soil and preventing light from reaching w**d seeds.

Farmers, remember: w**ds left unchecked can take over your fields, but early intervention ensures your crops have access to the water, nutrients, and light they need to thrive. Timely w**ding protects your yield, saves time, and reduces labor stress.

Let's keep our fields clean and our crops healthy! 🌱

Grandfarmer

04/12/2024

"This couple in Zambia, Chief Chipazi village Kasenengwa produced 16700kgs of onion on one hectare under a solar irrigation scheme. Trained by Good Nature Agro Extension Team. They have been perfecting their skills

Be inspired! Onion season coming soon, get prepared now
"

- Tanaka Farm and Ranch we are all inspired by the hard work 🙌🙌

02/12/2024

France 🇫🇷 wheat production is more than what Africa's wheat Production

France production for the past 5 years have averaged 35 Million MTs annually

On the flip-side, Africa's Production has average 28 Million MTs

That is, France annually wheat production is nearly 25% more than what Africa as a continent produces

Suffice to note that Africa combined imports about 42 Million MTs of Wheat annually worth 18 Billion USD

02/12/2024

MPIKA DIOCESE LAUNCHED A MILLING PLANT

Catholic Diocess of Mpika recently officially commissioned the much anticipated Mpika Diocese Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Milling plant.

Set up within the Diocesan premises in Mpika, it is envisaged that this project will help mitigate mealie meal shortages and stabilise prices on the local market.

Mpika Diocess Edwin Mulandu blessed and commissioned the plant.

The event was attended by members of the clergy, the religious and members of the community.

At the onset, the milling plant has employed twelve members of staff and is expected to be producing 200 bags of mealie meal per day when there is stable electricity supply in the area.

30/11/2024

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞?

Conservation Tillage refers to a number of practices that in combination conserve soil, moisture, fertiliser, seeds, energy, time and money. With Conservation Tillage (CT), Minimum Tillage is used to plant the crop but other simple techniques are also applied, which:

• Protect the soil from the damaging effects of rain splash;

• Reduce run off and keep more of the rain on the fields, this is called rain harvesting;

• Make the best use of costly fertiliser and seeds; and

• Allow farmers to finish land preparation well before the rains come so they are ready in good time.

30/11/2024

MEAT PROCESSING

29/11/2024

PIGGERY MANAGEMENT

28/11/2024

Black Friday Promotion

28/11/2024

CLOSE TO 16000 FARMERS, REDEEM FISP INPUTS IN KABWE

26/11/2024

Egypt 🇪🇬 is Africa’s:

▪️Highest producer of Wheat
▪️Highest producer of Dry Onions
▪️Highest producer of Tomatoes
▪️Highest producer of Potatoes
▪️Highest producer of Cucumbers
▪️Highest producer of Garlic
▪️Highest producer of Oranges
▪️Highest producer of Sugar Beet
▪️Highest producer of fish
▪️2nd highest producer of Cabbages
▪️2nd highest producer of Grapes
▪️2nd highest producer of lemon
▪️2nd highest producer of Mangoes
▪️4th largest producer of Maize
▪️5th largest producer of Carrots

▪️Egypt is a Desert, but its also Africa's 2nd largest agricultural producer and 16th in the world, and generates nearly 30 Billion USD annually from agriculture

▪️The Arable Land in Egypt is approximately 3.5 Million Hectares, the 13th smallest in the continent

▪️ Nearly 96% of Egypt is desert

📸 Courtesy

26/11/2024

Plot for sale in Chisamba Boma area in Chawama Compound its 30 X 30 metres and 100 metres away from the main road its near the market and the Council offices. It's still available.

Inbox or call 0763041028 if interested.

23/11/2024

JICA engages over 17,000 farmers in rice production
By Josiah Mpofu

The Japan International Cooperation Agency –JICA- through the Market Oriented Rice Development project –MOReDeP- has engaged over 17,000 farmers in rice production.

The project which seeks to promote rice cultivation as a cash crop in Zambia has so far put 3,000 hectares under cultivation since its inception.

Agriculture Permanent Secretary for technical services JOHN MULONGOTI says the move by JICA resonates with government’s determination to utilize rice as a key crop in Zambia’s crop diversification agenda.

Mr. MULONGOTI noted that the efforts by JICA are steadily transforming Zambia’s rice sector and contributing to the Country’s Gross Domestic product- GDP.

He says government is improving rice seed varieties and enhancing farmers’ knowledge as well as business skills to improve their income by selling produced rice.

Mr. MULONGOTI said this in a speech read for him by Ministry of Agriculture Director Dr. CHIZUMBA SHEPANDE during the MOReDeP 4th joint coordination committee in Lusaka.

And JICA Representative JOTARO TATEYAMA has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to implement rice initiatives that will improve the resilience of Zambia’s rice value chain.

21/11/2024

FQM COMMENCES DISTRIBUTION OF FARMING INPUTS FOR 2024/2025 FARMING SEASON

First Quantum Minerals’ Trident have officially launched the distribution of farming inputs for the 2024/2025 farming season, reaffirming the company’s commitment to strengthening agriculture and enhancing food security in Zambia. The initiative, valued at $2 million, will benefit over 5,000 farmers across North-Western Province with essential inputs and technical support to address the challenges of climate change and promote sustainable farming practices.
The launch ceremony, held in Kalumbila District, was officiated by the Honourable Minister of Health Elijah Muchima, Senior Chief Musele Musonkantanda, and FQM Trident Assistant General Manager Frederic Wouters and Kalumbila District Commissioner Brenda Sankisa.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Health commended FQM for its significant contribution to Zambia’s food security, stating: “This initiative by First Quantum Minerals is a vital pillar in the fight against food insecurity. By empowering farmers with the resources they need, FQM is playing a key role in strengthening agricultural resilience and driving rural development.”
Senior Chief Musele Musonkantanda echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of the programme for local communities: “The farming input distribution not only boosts food security but also uplifts the livelihoods of our farmers. This collaboration between government and the private sector is a clear example of what can be achieved when we work together for the benefit of our people.”
The initiative will see each farmer receive two 50kg bags of basal dressing (Compound D) fertilizer, two 50kg bags of top dressing (Urea) fertiliser, and a 10kg bag of maize seed. In addition to these inputs, FQM provides ongoing conservation farming training, equipping farmers with the skills to enhance yields despite changing weather patterns.
FQM Trident Assistant General Manager Frederic Wouters reiterated the company’s commitment to sustainability: “At First Quantum Minerals, we believe in empowering communities to become self-reliant. By providing farming inputs and technical support, we are not only addressing immediate food security needs but also investing in the long-term sustainability of agriculture in North-Western Province.”
The 2024/2025 farming season programme also extends to schools, with 40 institutions receiving inputs including basal and top-dressing fertilisers, soya beans, groundnuts, and maize seeds. This support aims to bolster school feeding programmes while generating additional income for schools to improve learning conditions.
This initiative underscores FQM’s broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments, aligning with national efforts to combat food insecurity and empower rural communities through sustainable development practices.

21/11/2024

Kasaka Fisheries Training Institute extends deadline for training recruitment
By Machona Kasambala

Kasaka Fisheries Training Institute, a fisheries training institute under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, wishes to inform the public that the deadline for receiving applications for the training recruitment for a Certificate programme in Aquaculture and Fisheries Sciences has been extended from 15th November, 2024 to 30th November, 2024.

The Institute will thus continue receiving applications up to 30th November for the 27th intake which commences in January 2025.

All other details such as qualifications and other requirements remain the same.

For further details contact the institution on the following:

Phone: +260 977 806583
Email: [email protected]

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