36 Views By Maanda; concerned young farmer Because in farming, uncertainty has a cost. As Zambia awaits the maize price announcement, the conversation should go beyond the figure that will eventually be released. In agriculture, information is an input. Just like a farmer needs seed, fertilizer and water to produce, they also need timely market […]

36 Views

By Maanda; concerned young farmer

Because in farming, uncertainty has a cost.

As Zambia awaits the maize price announcement, the conversation should go beyond the figure that will eventually be released.

In agriculture, information is an input.

Just like a farmer needs seed, fertilizer and water to produce, they also need timely market information to make rational decisions.

When key market signals are delayed, farmers are left navigating uncertainty at the very moment they need to plan their next production cycle.

The question is not only: “What price will be announced?”

The deeper question is:

“What decisions are farmers being forced to make while they wait?”

A farmer deciding whether to invest in inputs, expand acreage, store grain or sell immediately is making an economic decision.

That decision depends heavily on confidence in the market.

This is the complexity of agricultural markets. A maize price must balance multiple realities farmer viability, consumer affordability, industrial demand and national food security.

But achieving that balance also requires predictability.

Because agriculture is not only about producing more. It is about creating an environment where those who produce can make informed decisions and remain economically sustainable.

The 4.9 million tonnes of maize production has shown Zambia’s productive capacity.

The next test is whether our market systems can convert that production into confidence, investment and prosperity.

Because in farming, uncertainty has a cost.

Maanda is a concerned young farmer