Agri Business News

10/01/2026

MAIZE FARMERS – WATCH OUT!

Have you noticed any of these signs in your maize field?

Caterpillars with:

· An inverted “Y” shape on the head
· Four raised spots like a trapezium on the last body segment
· Four spots arranged in a square on the second last body segment

Leaf damage such as:

· Transparent or semi-transparent patches called “window panes”
· Irregular or elongated holes
· Sawdust-like material (frass) in the whorl or funnel

You are likely dealing with FALL ARMYWORM. This pest can cause serious yield losses if not controlled early. Remember to scout your maize field weekly and inspect the funnel or whorl, as the caterpillars hide during the day.

PROTECT YOUR MAIZE – PROTECT YOUR YIELD.

Livestock Services Cooperative Society stocks a wide range of effective Fall Armyworm insecticides to support your Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, including:

· Flubendiamide
· Chlorantraniliprole
· Emamectin Benzoate
· Lambda Cyhalothrin
· Lufenuron + Emamectin Benzoate
· And more.

Don’t wait until the damage spreads. Act early.

Visit Livestock Services Cooperative Society today and keep Fall Armyworms out of your field.

For more information, call 0211445050 (select option 2) or send a message on WhatsApp 0771991310.

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

Simbra bulls are good at detecting cows on heat—thanks to their Brahman genetics, which give them strong libido, heat tolerance, and a keen sense for pheromones. A Simbra bull can often identify a cow in estrus before visible signs appear, making them very effective in natural breeding systems, even under hot or stressful conditions.

10/01/2026

TIPS TO PREVENT DISEASE INFECTION IN POULTRY.

1. Always obtain hatching eggs and day old chicks from a reputable hatchery or dealer.

2. If possible, house chickens by age group, separating younger birds from older members of the flock. Young poultry need time to develop immunity.

3. Limit farm visits and access to your flock by visitors to prevent the spread of poultry diseases. If a visitor would like to see your chickens, ask them to wear overalls and gumboots and request that they avoid visiting any other farm before visiting your farm.

4.)Separate new birds bought for at least three weeks. During this time, ask your vet to visit your farm and check on their health status.Vaccinate and deworm them.

5. Provide clean living quarters for your flock. Remove manure frequently (both viruses and parasites are shed via faeces), and immediately remove any feed or bedding that becomes wet. Wood shavings is most preferable as it produces less dust.

6. Ensure that there is good ventilation in buildings where you keep your flock.Give your birds enough spacing to move about.

In addition to practicing good biosecurity, consider having a good vaccination programme for your birds. This will prevent outbreaks of viral infection, for which there is no treatment.

Lusukuti Farms

10/01/2026

PRESS STATEMENT (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)

GOVERNMENT RECORDS REMARKABLE PROGRESS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF FISP UNDER THE 100% ELECTRONIC VOUCHER SYSTEM

8th January 2026 – The Ministry of Agriculture is pleased to inform the farming community, agricultural stakeholders, and cooperating partners of the remarkable progress recorded in the implementation of the 100 percent Electronic Voucher (e-Voucher) system under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).

The Ministry remains highly encouraged by the exceptional level of farmer participation and the continued strong performance of the digital platform, which has significantly enhanced transparency, accountability, and timely access to farming inputs across the country.

So far, a total of 1,020,739 farmers, representing 99.64 %, have successfully redeemed their farming inputs out of a total of 1,024,434 targeted beneficiaries.

The Ministry acknowledges and commends the important role played by the private sector, particularly accredited input suppliers and agro-dealers, whose nationwide presence has greatly contributed to the efficient and timely distribution of inputs under the programme.

The Ministry is confident that the few remaining farmers will redeem their inputs within the shortest possible time and urges them to do so without delay in order to fully benefit from the ongoing rainy season.

Government remains fully committed to delivering an efficient, farmer-friendly, and accountable Farmer Input Support Programme that promotes sustainable agricultural growth and productivity.

Issued by:

(ORIGINAL COPY SIGNED)
BALEWA ZYUULU
Principal Public Relations Officer
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

10/01/2026

Ethiopia’s🇪🇹 agricultural transformation has become a beacon of hope for the entire continent of Africa.

By turning vast drylands into golden wheat fields and planting 54 billion seedlings through the Green Legacy Initiative, Ethiopia is proving that African solutions can solve global challenges.

From pioneering digital agriculture to becoming the continent's largest wheat producer, Ethiopia is no longer just feeding its people—it is inspiring a continent to believe in its own abundance.

Ethiopia's journey from dependency to a leading exporter shows that with strategic leadership and local innovation, food sovereignty is within reach for every African nation.

06/01/2026

NOTICE FROM NAKONDE DISTRICT COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE

This notice is only for farmers in Nakonde who supplied maize to FRA and are owed small amounts of money.

If you have received a message from FRA showing that your payment is a small amount, you are advised to go to the FRA Mwenzo Depot in Mwenzo.

When you go, submit your details so that your money can be sent directly to your mobile phone number.

This will help you receive your payment without going to the bank or joining long queues.
Farmers owed large amounts should not go for this arrangement.

Issued by:
Nakonde District Commissioner’s Office

06/01/2026

Only 0.2% Central Province farmers left to collect FISP inputs

FARMERS in Central Province have almost completed collecting their farming inputs under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), with the province recording an impressive 99.86 percent redemption for the current planting season.

Out of 116,711 farmers who were allocated inputs, 116,478 have already collected their fertiliser and seed, leaving only 233 farmers yet to pick theirs.

Chitambo, Luano, Mkushi and Serenje districts have led the way after recording 100 percent redemption, while all other districts in the province are above 99.6 percent.

Central Province principal public relations officer Tobias Phiri told in a statement that the high numbers show that most farmers are serious about farming this season and are ready to plant on time.

However, farmers who have not yet collected their inputs have been warned that time is running out, as delays may affect their ability to plant and benefit from the programme

Phiri has since urged the remaining farmers to quickly collect their inputs.

“The 233 farmers from across 6 districts who have not yet redeemed their farming inputs are therefore advised to redeem their inputs before it is too late for them to plant and benefit from this initiative," Phiri stated.

Relatives to beneficiaries who are facing challenges have also been advised to visit their District Agriculture Coordinators (DACOs) so that help can be given in a legal way.

By George Musonda

Kalemba January 6, 2026

06/01/2026

GOOD NEWS!

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
To All Mucha Greenfields Agro Ltd Farmers.

Following a successful series of meetings with our partners, we are delighted to share positive news regarding the market for African Bird’s Eye (ABE) Chili.

We are pleased to officially announce that the final buying price for Dry ABE Chili has been agreed and set at:

USD 2.80 per kilogram

This decision was reached after careful engagement with our partners and consideration of prevailing market conditions, with the objective of safeguarding farmer returns while maintaining a sustainable and reliable market.

Mucha Greenfields Agro Ltd remains committed to standing with our farmers through guaranteed markets, transparent processes, and continuous technical support. We encourage all farmers to maintain high standards in production, harvesting, and drying to fully benefit from this opportunity.

Thank you for your continued trust and commitment. Together, we move forward with confidence.

Mucha Greenfields Agro Ltd
Growing Together. Winning Together.

04/01/2026

Dyson — best known for vacuums and tech — has applied its engineering expertise to agriculture with Dyson Farming, a high-tech strawberry facility in Lincolnshire, UK that grows fruit all year round using precision robotics, automated climate control, and renewable energy. In a 26-acre glasshouse powered partly by heat and electricity from an on-site anaerobic digester, giant rotating vertical growing systems expose plants to optimal light and climate, boosting productivity by about 250% compared with traditional greenhouse layouts. Advanced automation — from AI-aided sensors and UV robots that reduce chemical use to robotic harvesters — helps maintain crop health and quality even in winter, cutting the UK’s reliance on imported strawberries and supporting local food security. This blend of engineering and agriculture shows how technology can reshape farming, reduce supply chain emissions, and keep fresh produce on shelves year-round.

04/01/2026

ZAMBIA LUNCHTIME WEATHER REPORT: SUNDAY (04/01/2026)
*FORECAST FOR THE AFTERNOON AND EVENING: (04/01/2026)*

*Northwestern, Copperbelt, Luapula, Northern, Muchinga, Eastern, Lusaka, Central and Southern Provinces:*
Mainly cloudy, slightly windy and warm with isolated rain and thunderstorms. Maximum temperature will be ranging between 27°C and 36°C. The evening will be mainly cloudy, slightly windy and warm to mild with isolated rain and occasional thunder.

*Western Province:*
Partly cloudy, slightly windy and warm to hot with a chance of thundershowers. Maximum temperature will be ranging between 28°C and 37°C. The evening will be partly cloudy, slightly windy and warm to mild with a chance of rain and thunder.

*HIGHEST TEMPERATURE RECORDED YESTERDAY: SATURDAY (03/01/2026)*
Livingstone 36°C, Mfuwe 35°C, Kalabo 34°C, Senanga, Mumbwa and Zambezi, 33°C, Chinsali and Kafue Polder 32°C

Produced by the Zambia Meteorological Department
Ministry of Green Economy and Environment

04/01/2026

Climate-Smart Agriculture: Farming for the Future

Imagine a farm where crops whisper secrets to the soil, the rain dances in perfect rhythm with the seasons, and every harvest is a win for both the farmer and the planet. Sounds like a scene from a magical eco-fantasy, right? Well, welcome to the real-world magic of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA)!

What is Climate-Smart Agriculture?

Climate-Smart Agriculture is like a superhero version of traditional farming. It combines science, innovation, and ancient wisdom to create farming systems that can:

1. Boost productivity – More crops, more food, more income.
2. Adapt to climate change – Built-in flexibility for weird weather and changing seasons.
3. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions – Yes, farming that helps cool the planet!

It’s farming with a mission: feed the world, save the Earth, and keep farmers thriving while doing it.

🔍 How Does It Work?

Think of CSA as a smart toolbox. Inside, you’ll find:
-Drought-resistant crops that laugh in the face of dry spells 🌵
-No-till farming that keeps soil healthy and happy 🐛
-Agroforestry – trees and crops living together in harmony like old friends 🌳+🌽
-Precision agriculture – GPS, drones, and apps helping farmers work smarter, not harder 📱✈️
-Rainwater harvesting – catching every precious drop 💧

These aren’t just cool tricks—they’re game-changers.

🌎 Why Is It So Important?

Climate change isn’t knocking on the door—it’s already in the kitchen raiding the fridge. Droughts, floods, heatwaves, and pests are making farming riskier than ever. And yet, we still need to feed 8 billion people (and counting!).

CSA is our secret weapon. Here’s why it matters:

-Food Security: It ensures we can grow enough food, even in a changing climate.

-Farmer Resilience: It helps farmers bounce back from disasters and keep farming sustainably.

-Environmental Health: CSA protects nature by using resources wisely and restoring ecosystems.

-Economic Growth: Healthier farms mean stronger rural economies and fewer climate-related losses.

🎉 The Future is Smart (and Delicious)

Climate-Smart Agriculture isn’t just a concept—it’s a movement. From rice paddies in Asia to maize fields in Africa, farmers around the world are joining forces with scientists, techies, and policymakers to revolutionize the way we grow food.

So next time you bite into a juicy tomato or a warm bowl of rice, remember: the future of farming is smart, sustainable, and climate-ready—and it’s already growing beneath our feet.

Dre Ck