ZCSA and ZARI Strengthen Collaboration to Improve Fertiliser Quality
The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) and the Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI) have agreed to strengthen collaboration to support the agricultural sector through the supply of safe, reliable and high-quality fertiliser.
The two institutions say closer cooperation will enhance information sharing, joint inspections and the exchange of best practices aimed at improving fertiliser quality, safety and regulatory compliance across the country.
The partnership is also expected to contribute to Government’s target of producing 10 million tonnes of maize by 2031, by ensuring that fertiliser used by farmers meets required standards and supports increased crop productivity.
ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga and ZARI Director Dr Ndashe Kapulu made the remarks in Chilanga on Wednesday when Mr Chizinga paid a courtesy call on Dr Kapulu.
Mr Chizinga said joint monitoring, inspections and capacity-building initiatives would help ensure that fertiliser available on the market complies with regulatory requirements.
“We must work closely together to support farmers with reliable farming inputs that improve yields and incomes in line with Government policy objectives,” Mr Chizinga said.
He added that ZCSA intends to leverage ZARI’s laboratory testing capacity to improve efficiency and enable timely regulatory decisions, noting that the Agency has proposed the signing of a cooperation framework and service level agreement to formalise collaboration.
Mr Chizinga stressed that ZCSA remains committed to protecting farmers from non-compliant fertiliser, which can negatively affect crop yields, soil health and human safety.
In response, Dr Kapulu said a formal cooperation framework would help facilitate trade and support the broader objectives of Government.
“As ZARI, we provide fertiliser testing services and are pleased to support ZCSA’s regulatory enforcement efforts. We are already working closely with ZCSA officers across the country,” Dr Kapulu said.
He also noted that ZARI oversees the Fertilisers and Feed Act of 1966, which is currently being reviewed to replace outdated provisions and align the legislation with modern agricultural practices.
Dr Kapulu commended ZCSA officers stationed in provincial centres and major border entry points for their role in safeguarding farmers against substandard fertiliser.
ZCSA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, mandated by the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017 to enforce compulsory standards in the interest of public safety, health, consumer protection and environmental sustainability.
