THE Ministry of Agriculture has called on farmers in Northern Province to urgently start implementing mitigation strategies in anticipation for the forecast El Nino weather pattern for the 2026/2027 farming season. Seed Control and Certification Institute Senior Seeds Officer, Zombe Sikazwe has warned that the expected El Niño conditions could bring prolonged dry spells and […]

THE Ministry of Agriculture has called on farmers in Northern Province to urgently start implementing mitigation strategies in anticipation for the forecast El Nino weather pattern for the 2026/2027 farming season.

Seed Control and Certification Institute Senior Seeds Officer, Zombe Sikazwe has warned that the expected El Niño conditions could bring prolonged dry spells and erratic rainfall, posing a threat to crop yields and national food security.

Ms Sikazwe disclosed that the Ministry of Agriculture has already begun rolling out awareness campaigns and technical support programmes to encourage farmers to start growing climate resilient crops as a mitigating factor.

“We are urging all farmers to take proactive steps now and this includes adopting drought-tolerant seed varieties, practicing conservation farming, and ensuring efficient water management,” she said.

“Our goal is to safeguard livelihoods and ensure that Zambia remains food secure despite the challenges posed by climate change, officers are in your areas heed to their advice on soil moisture, conservation and early planting practices,” she said.