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Zambia can achieve a targeted 10 million metric tonnes of maize annually by farmers adopting best agronomic practices.
This view was expressed by Samson Nyendwa of Corteva Agriscience who also called for collaboration between government and stakeholders for the target to be attained.
He was responding to President Hakainde Hichilema’s desire to increase the country’s maize production to 10 million metric tonnes by 2027 to meet both domestic and regional demand.
“There a number of things that are supposed to be done for the 10 million tonnes target to be attained. This target it is achievable if we can work together with government to make sure we help farmers adopt best agronomic practices to have desirable productivity.
“The key ingredient to attain the yield potential is adoption of best agriculture practices. Currently, most farmers have not adopted the best practices which has resulted in their production still oscillating around two tonnes of maize per hectare when our potential can exceed 10 tonnes per hectare,” Nyendwa said at the Limani Muwine tractor handover ceremony in Lusaka on Friday.
He reiterated the company’s readiness to support government’s ambitious goal of achieving the 10 million tonnes maize production target.
Agriculture Minister, Reuben Phiri, acknowledged the role played by farmers in contributing to the attainment of the national target of 10 million tonnes of maize by 2027.
“My ministry is alive to the fact that many farmers are not able to access appreciate and affordable mechanisation equipment and services.
“Through the implementation of the soon to be launched national agricultural mechanisation strategy, priority will be given to the promotion of mechanisation equipment appropriate for smallholder farmers,” he said.
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