The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has said production of all food crops is anticipated to increase the 2013/14 production season, a development which will make the country become food-sufficient.
The ministry has attributed this to the increased uptake of fertiliser from the newly introduced Farm Input Loan Programme (Filp) which is complementing the existing Farm Input Subsidy Programme (Fisp).
According to a press statement issued by the ministry, the total national maize production is projected at 3 929 015 metric tons, indicating an eight percent increase from last years’ production.
“The Ministry would like to commend all the farmers for their hard work in managing the fields. This increased production is greatly a contribution of their effort in following the good agricultural practices guided by our extension workers,” reads the statement in part signed by ministry spokesperson Sarah Chowa.
The statement indicates that tobacco production has increased by 23 percent (163 940 470 metric tons) mainly due to a positive farmer response to the Integrated Production Systems (IPS) which triggered better prices last season and that this is good for the country as it is anticipated that tobacco will contribute more to the forex reserve in the country.
In addition to maize and tobacco, other crops expected to yield more than last year include groundnuts, pigeon peas, beans and pulses.
