GOVERNMENT TO BUY OVER 100,000 METRIC TONNES OF MAIZE IN EASTERN PROVINCE

By GLORIA SIWISHA

GOVERNMENT says it will, this year, purchase 108,600 metric tonnes of white maize in Eastern Province, through the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), as part of efforts to ensure national food security.

Eastern Province Minister Peter Phiri, said the Government would also be a source of reliable market for smallholder farmers countrywide.

The Provincial Minister said this in a speech read on his behalf by the Provincial Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr Lewis Mwape, at the 47th Eastern Province Agriculture and Commercial Show, held in Chipata.  

He said the Government was also exploring digital platforms to streamline market information, improve logistics, and reduce post-harvest losses.

“With several markets now open, we are pleased to see both Government and the private sector buyers actively participating in purchase of agricultural commodities. This competition is healthy for our farmers as it ensures fair pricing, diversified markets, and faster cash-flows,” Mr Phiri said.

He also said the Province contributed to the production of 535, 743 metric tonnes of maize, and 71, 906 metric tonnes of soybean during the 2024/2025 farming.

“These figures are a testament to the resilience of our farmers, the commitment of our extension officers, and the strength of the agricultural policies, we implement,’ he said.

On the livestock sector, the Provincial Minister announced that 2.4 million chickens had been vaccinated against Newcastle disease in Eastern Province, and more than 22,000 calves vaccinated against East Coast Fever (ECF). 

Mr Phiri said an additional 50,000 calves would be vaccinated against ECF this year.

“Recognizing that livestock diseases pose a major challenge to sustainable livestock production; the Government is committed to supporting livestock disease control activities in the Province,” he said.

He said livestock and aquaculture production continue to play a critical role in improving the nutrition and quality of life of farmers because of their immediate and futuristic benefits.

Eastern Province Agriculture and Commercial Show Society chairperson Thomas Mtonga said there was urgent need to bring efficiency to the entire agricultural value - chain, in order to increase the yields to 12 tonnes per hectare, from the current 2 tonnes per hectare.

“We are however happy, to note that Government has put efforts in place to address this, through a number of means which include mechanization, irrigation, and financial support to farmers through various programmes,” he said.

Seedco Regional Sales Manager David Chandalala, observed that farmers were at the front-line of climate change, and thus the company’s commitment to delivering resilient, high performing seed varieties, that help farmers to thrive.

“Climate change is affecting the way we farm, from un-predictable rainfall and pro-longed dry spells, to pest outbreaks and declining soil health. The question guest of honour, is no-longer if we should adapt but how fast we can,” he said. 

Meanwhile, HELEN WITTI reports that the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has released K1,200,000 meant to pay farmers who supplied their produce to the agency in Kabwe District of Central province this 2025/2026 marketing season. 

Kabwe District Commissioner Lennox Shimwambwa further added that K980, 000 has been paid to farmers who supplied their produce to the agency.  

Mr Shimwambwa also disclosed that Kabwe district has a target of 5,600 metric tonnes of maize.

“As of yesterday, 2,800 metric tonnes of white maize has been bought,” he revealed.  

He was speaking when he inspected satellite depots to appreciate the buying process and just to interact with the farmers. 

And Munyama Ward Councilor Jacob Njovu, thanked government for the timely disbursement of FRA funds meant to pay farmers. 

“Farmers in his ward are happy and that even those who had plans to sell their produce to private buyers have started taking to the FRA satellite depots upon hearing that government has started paying farmers,” Mr Njovu said. 

Meanwhile, a farmer, Idah Soko, who was found cleaning her produce in readiness to have them weighed appreciated government for the smooth running of the exercise. 

Ms Soko has since called on her fellow farmers to take their produce to FRA. –NAIS