Milenge targets 40,000 tonnes of maize by 2031

Milenge District is targeting to produce more than 40,000 metric tonnes of maize by 2031, with over 4,600 farmers expected to benefit from the 2026/2027 Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP). Milenge District Senior Agriculture Officer Baxter Musonda said achieving the production…

Milenge District is targeting to produce more than 40,000 metric tonnes of maize by 2031, with over 4,600 farmers expected to benefit from the 2026/2027 Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).

Milenge District Senior Agriculture Officer Baxter Musonda said achieving the production target would require farmers to adhere to recommended farming practices.

Mr Musonda said farmers should follow guidance provided by camp extension officers and other agricultural officials, particularly on improved farming practices.

He was speaking during the flag-off of the 2026/2027 FISP inputs.

Mr Musonda also cautioned FISP beneficiaries against selling their farming inputs after redemption, urging them to use the inputs for their intended purpose.

He said the district’s production target was in line with the Grow Zambia Agenda, which seeks to increase Zambia’s maize production to more than 10 million metric tonnes by 2031.

Government is supporting small-scale farmers through FISP to increase agricultural production, improve household incomes and contribute to national food security.

Meanwhile, Milenge Acting District Commissioner Chiluba Yamba said more than 4,600 farmers in the district would benefit from FISP during the 2026/2027 farming season.

Dr Yamba said FISP remained an important government intervention aimed at increasing agricultural productivity through the provision of subsidised farming inputs.

He said government remained committed to ensuring that farmers received farming inputs on time so that the programme continued to benefit intended beneficiaries, strengthen national food security and contribute to the broader objectives of the agricultural sector.

Mikula Ward Councillor Eric Kasongo urged FISP beneficiaries to safeguard their e-voucher codes to prevent unauthorised redemption.

Mr Kasongo also appealed to agro-dealers to stock a wider variety of approved agricultural inputs and other eligible items to give farmers more options when redeeming their e-vouchers, particularly when they have a balance after purchasing seed and fertiliser.