Zambia’s Minister of Agriculture Announces 2023/2024 Crop Forecasting Survey Results and 2024 Food Security Status
The Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Reuben Mtolo Phiri, has officially released the crop forecasting survey results for the 2023/2024 agricultural season, revealing a significant impact of drought on crop production and a concerning food security status for the upcoming marketing season.
In a detailed briefing, Minister Phiri highlighted the severe reduction in outputs across all major crops compared to previous years. This decline has created a substantial deficit in the national food balance sheet for cereals and tubers for the 2024/2025 marketing season.
The country now faces a net deficit of 1,323,288 metric tonnes of maize, 55,138 metric tonnes of paddy rice, 225,296 metric tonnes of wheat, and 548,644 metric tonnes of cassava flour. The total net deficit stands at 2,107,745 metric tonnes in maize equivalent.
To address this shortfall, the government is taking proactive measures. Over 600,000 metric tonnes of white non-GMO maize will be imported to provide relief and support to drought-affected households.
This initiative will also enable the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to enhance community maize sales, ensuring easy access to the staple crop for those in need.
Minister Phiri emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming the agriculture sector and promoting private sector participation in the production and marketing of agricultural commodities. Efforts are underway to encourage the production of winter and early maize, with active engagement from farmers and farmer entities.
The Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) is undergoing significant reforms, with 74 districts transitioning to an e-voucher system. This change aims to provide farmers with greater flexibility in accessing various inputs under the program.
Additionally, the distribution of fertilizer under the FISP direct input supply mode will commence shortly, benefiting 42 districts.
The government is also expanding the products available under the Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility (credit window) for the 2024/2025 season. This expansion will include seed, fertilizer, small-scale irrigation equipment, farm power mechanization, livestock, and aquaculture.
Looking ahead, the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP) is set to be re-launched in August 2024, marking another step towards sustainable agricultural development.
