By Mubanga Mubanga
Acting Agriculture minister Sylvia Masebo says Zambia is estimated to record the maize supply of over 4 million matric tonnes in the 2024/2025 farming season.
Speaking during the announcement of the results for the 2024/2025 farming season by Zambia Statistics Agency (ZAMSTATS) in Lusaka yesterday, Masebo said the estimate had shown that the country was going to produce enough for human and industrial consumption.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the national food balance sheet of the 2024/2025 agriculture marketing season based on crop forecasting survey, shows that the country has produced sufficient maize, for both human consumption and industrial use,” Masebo said. “The total maize supply is estimated at 4,040,654 matric tonnes, with national requirements of 3,539,024 matric tonnes, this results in a surplus of 501, 621 matric tonnes.”
However, the minister said the country would have a deficit in rice, wheat and cassava supply.
“However, we anticipate deficit in rice of 55, 138 matric tonnes, wheat of 327,938 matric tonnes, and cassava floor 636,921,” Masebo said. “To effectively manage the surplus of some crops, we committed to strengthening storage facilities, and expanding market linkages. For all deficit recorded will continue to implement programs that will enhance production.”
She said the experience of drought in the last farming season taught the government the importance of building resilience and preparedness within the agriculture systems.
She also encouraged farmers not to panic and end up selling their hard earned produce for 2024/2025 season at a give away price.
Meanwhile, Masebo said during 2025/2026 farming season, the Farmer lmput Support Program (FISP) would be done 100 percent on E voucher to encourage farmers to access their Inputs in their communities .
“I am happy to announce that in the year 2025/2026 agriculture season, the Farmer lnput Support Program known as FISP, will be managed on a 100 percent E voucher modalities,” said Masebo.
