Government has announced a major push to expand irrigation development to 500,000 hectares by 2031, the development which is expected to shield the farming sector from devastating climate shocks.

The ambitious target, which aims to transition the country away from a traditional reliance on rain-fed agriculture, was disclosed by Muchinga Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Brian Sichande, during a two-day Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) training and sensitisation meeting for local agro-dealers in Chinsali District.

Mr Sichande emphasised that boosting irrigation infrastructure is vital to securing year-round food production and safeguarding small-scale farmers against unpredictable weather patterns.

“The goal is to transition Zambia from dependence on rain-fed agriculture to an irrigation-led, technology-driven, and resilient agricultural sector,” Mr Sichande said.

He stated that to complement the irrigation drive, the government has rolled out a national agricultural mechanisation strategy.

Mr Sichande said the initiative focuses on increasing farmer access to modern machinery for land preparation, planting, and harvesting.

He also challenged agro-dealers to stock and distribute climate-smart seed varieties to help farmers withstand worsening climate conditions and scaling Up the E-Voucher System.

Reflecting on recent policy achievements, the Provincial Deputy Permanent Secretary noted that the Ministry of Agriculture successfully transitioned to a 100 percent Electronic Voucher (E-Voucher) system for the FISP modality during the 2025/2026 farming season.

He stressed that the ultimate success of the digital system hinges strictly on the integrity, professionalism, and commitment of all field stakeholders.

As preparations accelerate for the upcoming 2026/2027 agricultural cycle, the Ministry of Agriculture issued a stern warning against illegal trading practices.

Assistant Director for Agribusiness and Marketing, Peter Zulu, cautioned agro-dealers against voucher discounting a malpractice where dealers buy back farmer vouchers for cash at a lower value instead of distributing actual inputs.

He warned that any dealer caught participating in such schemes would face an immediate ban from the FISP programme.

“Agro-dealers are the final link between the government and our farmers.They carry a heavy responsibility to ensure that vulnerable farmers receive the correct inputs at the right time from approved and certified suppliers,” Mr Zulu stated.

The workshop drew agricultural stakeholders and agro-dealers from all districts across Muchinga Province.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Hot this week

Agriculture union welcomes FRA maize floor price July 25, 2026 0 The Agriculture Technical Professional Staff Union of Zambia (ATPSUZ)... General News

FRA announces K347 as maize buying price per 50KG bag July 25, 2026 0 The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has announced a maize... General News

Govt. launches guidelines for mine closure plans in Zambia July 25, 2026 0 Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta,... General News

First consignment of ballot papers to arrive on Sunday July 25, 2026 0 The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has announced that... General News

Government commissions one by four classroom block July 25, 2026 0 Government has commissioned a one-by-four classroom block at Lufupa...

Topics

Agriculture union welcomes FRA maize floor price 0 The Agriculture Technical Professional Staff Union of Zambia (ATPSUZ)... General News

FRA announces K347 as maize buying price per 50KG bag 0 The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has announced a maize... General News

Govt. launches guidelines for mine closure plans in Zambia 0 Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta,... General News

First consignment of ballot papers to arrive on Sunday 0 The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has announced that... General News

Government commissions one by four classroom block 0 Government has commissioned a one-by-four classroom block at Lufupa... Headlines

They Just want to Steal Again – HH 9 President Hakainde Hichilema has told voters across Southern Province... Headlines

Shamenda insists regime change is coming next month 4 Former Minister of Labour and Social Security Fackson Shamenda... Headlines

Police deny blocking NRPUP campaign in Ndola 4 Copperbelt Province Police Commanding Officer Mwala Yuyi has dismissed...

Related Articles

Agriculture union welcomes FRA maize floor price

FRA announces K347 as maize buying price per 50KG bag General News July 25, 2026

Govt. launches guidelines for mine closure plans in Zambia

First consignment of ballot papers to arrive on Sunday

Government commissions one by four classroom block

Popular Categories