Govt assures on food security amid erratic rains in Sinazongwe

The government has assured the nation of improved food security, even in areas like Sinazongwe District, which faced erratic rainfall during the 2024/2025 farming season.

Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary for Administration, Yvonne Mpundu, said measures were in place to mitigate the impact of poor rainfall and ensure affected communities have access to food.

Mpundu made the remarks when she paid a courtesy call on Sinazongwe District Commissioner Nchimunya Siakole, according to a statement issued on Saturday by Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer Bhalewa Zyuulu.

She reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting farmers in drought-prone regions by strengthening early warning systems, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and enhancing food relief programs.

“In light of the erratic rains experienced in this region, the government is working tirelessly to ensure food security is not compromised. We are engaging key stakeholders to provide sustainable solutions for farmers, including access to drought-resistant seed varieties and irrigation support,” Mpundu said.

Sinazongwe District Commissioner, Nchimunya Siakole, acknowledged that the district had been among the hardest hit by climate variability, affecting maize and other staple crop yields.

He commended the government’s swift intervention in addressing maize shortages and reducing long queues at depots, which previously saw up to 5,000 people waiting for orders to be released from Lusaka.

“Thank you very much for the effort made after your last visit. We used to have 3,000 to 5,000 people at two shifts waiting for maize orders from Lusaka. But since then, requests are processed on time,” he said.

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To ease access, the district has also opened satellite depots in remote areas, ensuring farmers up to 70 kilometers away can access inputs and food supplies without difficulties.

Siakole applauded the timely distribution of farming inputs, noting that farmers now receive fertilizer as early as September or October, allowing them to prepare ahead of the rainy season.

He added that some farmers had shifted to drought-resistant crops such as sorghum and millet, provided under the Ministry of Agriculture’s input programme.

“We can say things are much better now. As the President said, he does not want anyone to die of hunger. I can assure you that here in Sinazongwe, no one has died of hunger,” he said.

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