Agriculture PS tips farmers

Government has called on farmers to embark on early preparation of their maize fields to increase production during the next harvest season. Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary for Technical Services John Mulongoti said early field preparations, coupled with the use of…

Government has called on farmers to embark on early preparation of their maize fields to increase production during the next harvest season.

Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary for Technical Services John Mulongoti said early field preparations, coupled with the   use of certified seeds from registered agro dealers will play a key role in achieving government’s target of 10 million metric tonnes of maize by 2031.

ZANIS reports that Mr Mulongoti said this in Solwezi District when he graced the launch of National Consumer Promotion, an initiative by Bayer Zambia Limited aimed to reward farmers who purchase DELKAB farming inputs.

The Permanent secretary said farmers should look out for counterfeit seeds and ensure that they secure their farming inputs from registered and traceable   Agro dealers to enhance their agriculture production, both at household and national level.

Mr Mulongoti further urged   farmers to embrace climate smart agricultural practices to mitigate the effects of climate change.

“As the country prepares for the upcoming farming season, farmers have been encouraged to secure inputs early and embrace climate-smart agriculture to mitigate the effects of changing weather patterns,” he added.

The Permanent Secretary emphasised the importance of early land preparation, conservation agriculture practices, timely planting, correct fertilizer application, and maintaining recommended plant populations to maximize productivity under variable climatic conditions.

He said government is committed to partnering with stakeholders, especially those promoting the use of technological initiatives aimed at helping farmers to increase their productivity.

Mr Mulongoti has also commended farmers for their continued hard work and support for national food security.

“Agriculture remains the backbone of Zambia’s economy and a key driver of household livelihoods and national food security. Initiatives such as the National Consumer Promotion help ensure farmers have access to quality agricultural inputs while encouraging the adoption of good agronomic practices,” the Permanent Secretary stated.

Bayer Zambia Limited committed to continue supplying farmers with quality farming inputs to ensure increased agricultural yields, highlighting one of the objectives of the launched to ensure farmers have access to quality farming inputs to achieve improved productivity and, contribute to food security

Bayer Smallholder Unit Support Lead for Sub-Saharan Africa, Everlyn Musyoka reaffirmed the leading agricultural company commitment to advancing Zambia’s agricultural transformation through innovation, farmer education, quality inputs and strong partnerships with government, agro-dealers, and farming communities.

“The National Consumer Promotion goes beyond rewarding farmers. It reinforces the importance of investing in genuine seeds, adopting climate-smart practices, and preparing early for the season. Ultimately, these are the decisions that drive productivity, profitability and food security,” she said.

Ms Musyoka added that to strengthen Zambia’s agricultural value chain, Bayer Zambia Limited has invested over 30 million united states dollars in the Itaba Seed Processing Plant in Kabwe of Central Province.

She explained that the investment has also contributed to job creation for local people apart from contributing to local seed production.

Ms Musyoka said Bayer is targeting 10 million farmers in Zambia and beyond to ensure they have easy access to quality and reliable farming inputs.