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 said 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.

She urged farmers to work closely with extension officers who are being deployed to their areas to provide guidance on soil moisture conservation, early planting, and crop diversification.

Ms Sikazwe stated that the meteorological forecasts are indicating a high likelihood of reduced rainfall in several regions, which could impact maize, groundnut, and soybeans production if no preventive measures are taken.

“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.

Ms Sikazwe also encouraged farmers to work closely with local agricultural offices for timely weather updates and technical advice as they are preparing their fields.

And James Bukankala, a farmer from Mulanshi Agricultural Camp in Kasama District has commended the Seed Control and Certification Institute for its timely call to prepare for the anticipated El Nino condition.

Mr Bukankala said the call for agricultural producers to adopt mitigation measures is important as it aims at safeguarding crop yields and livestock health in the face of potential droughts and erratic rainfall patterns.

He expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Agriculture for the proactive stance, noting that early guidance allows them to plan ahead.

“This advice is a lifeline for us, we can now invest in drought-resistant seed varieties, improve water storage, and adjust planting schedules before the rains,” he said.

He appealed to other farmers to support programmes being initiated by experts, such as access to weather forecasts and promotion of planting verified seeds, which is being rolled out to help them adapt.

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