Zambia Poised for Record Maize Harvest of 3.66 M...

Zambia Poised for Record Maize Harvest of 3.66 Million Tonnes

Oscar J Jeke – Zim Now Reporter

Zambia is on track to record its highest-ever maize harvest, with projections pointing to a bumper yield of 3.66 million tonnes for the 2024/25 season—more than double the previous year’s drought-stricken output.

Acting Statistical Controller General Sheila Mudenda, announcing the figures in Lusaka on Thursday, attributed the historic rebound primarily to smallholder farmers, who accounted for 93% of total production. The remaining 7% came from large-scale commercial farms.

This remarkable recovery follows a dismal 2023/24 season, in which prolonged drought ravaged over half the country’s cultivated land, slashing maize output to 1.5 million tonnes and sparking food insecurity and inflation.

Acting Agriculture Minister Sylvia Masebo credited the resurgence to favourable rains and the continued rollout of the Farmer Input Support Programme, which provides subsidised seeds and fertilisers to small-scale growers.

“This achievement underscores the resilience of our farmers and the impact of strategic government support,” said Masebo. “It’s a clear sign that Zambia can secure its food future with the right mix of policy and partnership.”

Despite the improved harvest, challenges remain. The price of maize meal rose 10.2% in April compared to the same period last year, reflecting lingering inflationary pressure. Even so, the government projects inflation will return to the Bank of Zambia’s target range of 6% to 8% by the end of 2025—a level last seen in May 2019.

Farmers’ unions are now calling on the government to lift export restrictions, warning that oversupply on the domestic market could drive prices down and hurt farmer incomes. Their concerns have intensified following reports that the government recently ordered 195,000 tonnes of maize from Tanzania, despite the expected surplus.