Agriculture ministry urges investment in storage as Zambia targets higher production

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The Ministry of Agriculture has called on the private sector and citizens to take advantage of investment opportunities in the agricultural sector, particularly storage infrastructure, to enhance productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.

Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer Balewa Zyuulu says government has set ambitious production targets under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, with the country aiming to produce 10 million metric tonnes of maize and one million metric tonnes each of wheat and soybeans annually by 2031.

Mr. Zyuulu said achieving the targets requires a coordinated approach involving all stakeholders, including increased investment in storage facilities to safeguard harvests and minimise losses.

He emphasised that while efforts to increase production are being scaled up, inadequate storage capacity remains a critical gap that must be addressed alongside production to strengthen food security and preserve the value of agricultural produce.

Mr. Zyuulu further noted that Zambia continues to record low productivity per hectare in various parts of the country.

He said government has therefore rolled out the Mechanised 360 strategy, aimed at improving efficiency and increasing output among farmers.

According to Mr. Zyuulu, more than 125 mechanisation centres have been established across the country, with a target of at least six centres in each district.

He explained that the programme is designed to help farmers transition from traditional farming methods to modern and mechanised agriculture through access to equipment such as tractors and other smart implements.

Mr. Zyuulu said government has invested significantly in expanding cultivated land, but the gains have been undermined by persistently low yields per hectare, making productivity-focused interventions necessary.

He has since urged farmers to fully utilise the mechanisation centres, describing them as key to improving productivity and helping the country achieve its national production targets.

Mr. Zyuulu said government is also promoting year-round agricultural production through irrigation as part of efforts to reduce dependence on seasonal farming, modernise the sector and align Zambia's agricultural productivity with global standards.

Ends

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