Agri Business News

10/06/2026

MULUNGUSHI UNIVERSITY ENVISAGES RAISING K400, 000 FROM ITS FIRST
FISH PROJECT
By HELEN WITTI
MULUNGUSHI University has harvested its first batch of fish amounting to seven metric tonnes.
Mulungushi University Vice Chancellor Professor Royson Mukwena said the university is expecting to realise about K400,000 from its first ever fish project.
Professor Mukwena added, 21,500 fingerlings were stocked on 31 st December last year.
He disclosed, Mulungushi University was established on a self-financing model, adding that to date, the institution is still expected to raise funds for its operations.
“As you may be aware, Mulungushi University was established on a self-financing model, meaning that the university is still expected to raise funds for its operations,” Professor
Mukwena said.
Professor Mukwenu added, the university currently funds 93% of its budget using the self-financing model.
He was speaking during the flagship of the harvest of fish at the University fish farm in Kabwe district of central province.
Professor Mukwenu noted, establishing an aquaculture project at a learning institution is not just about fish, but education, empowerment and economic resilience.
“Mulungushi University is currently producing organic honey and supplies to all Shoprite chain stores countrywide and that many other initiatives are coming on board in a bid to sustain its
self,” he revealed.
Meanwhile, Mulungushi University Dean School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Siluwengo Mitululo, said this fish project would also provide practical training for students venturing into studying aquaculture.
Dr Mitululo added, the School plans to venture into fingerling production, Feed production as well as to provide local farmers with short training programmes in aquaculture. -NAIS

09/06/2026

NORTH-WESTERN PROVINCE ON HIGH ALERT AGAINST FOOT AND MOUTH
DISEASE
By BERTHA PATA
THE Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock in North-Western Province has placed the province on high alert against the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) following reported cases in Western
Province, which authorities say are currently under control.
Provincial Veterinary Officer Peter Banda disclosed, although North-Western Province has not recorded any cases of the disease for more than two years, authorities are taking precautionary
measures due to increased movement of livestock into the province.
Dr Banda said the province remains vulnerable because of the growing number of animals entering legally and illegally from neighbouring provinces such as Southern, Central and Copperbelt.
“The province is currently on high alert against Foot and Mouth Disease due to the outbreak in Western Province, although it is under control. We have not recorded any cases in North-Western
Province for more than two years, but we remain vigilant because of livestock movements,” Dr Banda said.
He noted, districts such as Mufumbwe, Kasempa, Kalumbila and Mushindamo have been identified as high-risk areas due to the settlement of animals coming from other provinces.
Dr Banda further revealed, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock plans to vaccinate approximately 39,000 animals in the four high-risk districts this year as part of disease prevention and control
measures.
He added, districts bordering Western Province are also under close surveillance to prevent possible transmission of the disease.
“We are equally on high alert in districts bordering Western Province like Kasempa, Manyinga, Kabompo and Zambezi. We are sensitising stakeholders to immediately alert veterinary offices
whenever they observe signs of the disease or illegal movement of livestock entering villages without
proper documentation or unknown origins,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Banda urged livestock farmers to comply with the newly enacted Animal Identification and Traceability Act No. 2 of 2024, which makes it mandatory for livestock to be marked for disease surveillance and theft prevention purposes.
He explained that the law is particularly targeting cattle for now, requiring all cattle-owning farmers to visit their nearest veterinary offices for guidance on livestock branding procedures.
“This law compels every livestock farmer to mark their animals. The emphasis at the moment is on cattle because branding is important for disease surveillance and control, as well as reducing stock
theft,” Dr Banda stated.
He warned that livestock owners who fail to brand their animals risk losing access to veterinary services, as unmarked animals will not be permitted to receive treatment, be sold, or transported.
The Ministry has since called on farmers and other stakeholders to cooperate with veterinary officers in safeguarding the province from the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease. -NAIS

08/06/2026

France 🇫🇷 wheat production is more than what Africa's wheat Production

France production for the past 5 years have averaged 35 Million MTs annually

On the flip-side, Africa's Production has average 28 Million MTs

That is, France annually wheat production is nearly 25% more than what Africa as a continent produces

Suffice to note that Africa combined imports about 42 Million MTs of Wheat annually worth 18 Billion USD

08/06/2026

LUKOSHI FARMERS DECRY CONTAMINATED WATER FROM MINES.

By Respite Kaoma,

Farmers in Musakashi Farming Block of Lukoshi Ward in Chambishi Constituency, Kalulushi District, say their livelihoods are under threat due to alleged pollution of local water sources by mining operations.

One of the affected farmers, Obed Simbeye, told Mafken News that some mining companies have allegedly been discharging contaminated water into the Musakashi Stream, affecting both farmland and underground water sources. He said the water is no longer safe for drinking, washing, or other domestic use.

Mr. Simbeye further claimed that water drawn from boreholes as deep as 21 metres turns brown after a few days, which he attributes to groundwater contamination. He said farmers who grow crops such as cabbage, carrots, and tomatoes suffer major losses whenever contaminated water floods their fields during the rainy season.

He added that compensation previously offered to affected farmers was inadequate, stating that the K500 paid last year did not reflect the cost of inputs, labour, and lost harvests incurred by farmers.

Meanwhile, Chambishi Constituency Independent Parliamentary Candidate Chikabala Kaleta attributed the situation to what he termed poor leadership and called for lasting solutions to address pollution in farming communities.

Mr. Kaleta said companies responsible for environmental damage should be held accountable and urged authorities to prioritize the welfare of affected residents.

08/06/2026

Brian Sibeene writes

Farmers when you are done selling your products, go back home in peace we don't want stories the next day.

08/06/2026

LUKOSHI FARMERS DECRY CONTAMINATED WATER FROM MINES.

By Respite Kaoma,

Farmers in Musakashi Farming Block of Lukoshi Ward in Chambishi Constituency, Kalulushi District, say their livelihoods are under threat due to alleged pollution of local water sources by mining operations.

One of the affected farmers, Obed Simbeye, told Mafken News that some mining companies have allegedly been discharging contaminated water into the Musakashi Stream, affecting both farmland and underground water sources. He said the water is no longer safe for drinking, washing, or other domestic use.

Mr. Simbeye further claimed that water drawn from boreholes as deep as 21 metres turns brown after a few days, which he attributes to groundwater contamination. He said farmers who grow crops such as cabbage, carrots, and tomatoes suffer major losses whenever contaminated water floods their fields during the rainy season.

He added that compensation previously offered to affected farmers was inadequate, stating that the K500 paid last year did not reflect the cost of inputs, labour, and lost harvests incurred by farmers.

Meanwhile, Chambishi Constituency Independent Parliamentary Candidate Chikabala Kaleta attributed the situation to what he termed poor leadership and called for lasting solutions to address pollution in farming communities.

Mr. Kaleta said companies responsible for environmental damage should be held accountable and urged authorities to prioritize the welfare of affected residents.

08/06/2026

The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has targeted to purchase 13, 000 metric tons of white Maize during the 2026 crop marketing season in Chinsali District in Muchinga Province.

Chinsali District Commissioner Brenda Silwembe says FRA will be buying non-genetically modified grade A white maize and Paddy Rice through satellite depots that will be set up.

Ms Silwembe made these remarks in a phone interview with ZANIS today.

“As a district, we have a purchase target of 13, 000 metric tons of maize and 47.62 metric tones of paddy rice,” she stated

Ms Silwembe indicated that the crop purchase exercise is an important national exercise that will ensure the continuation of both household and national food security.

“This exercise acts as a buffer during critical times of national food emergencies such as drought,” she added.

08/06/2026

08/06/2026

Brahma chickens now offering lucrative opportunities for Zambian farmers, 1 chicken nets up to K3, 000-ZBT

08/06/2026

Regions in Zambia and Their Suitable Maize Varieties

Maize is the most important staple crop in Zambia and is grown in all provinces. The country is divided into different agro-ecological regions based on rainfall patterns and climatic conditions. Choosing the right maize variety for a specific region helps farmers achieve higher yields and better resistance to drought, pests, and diseases.

Agro-Ecological Region I

Region I covers areas such as Southern, Western, and parts of Eastern Province. This region receives less than 800 mm of rainfall annually and is prone to drought.

Suitable Maize Varieties

- ZMS 606
- ZMS 607
- PAN 413
- MRI 514
- SC 303

Characteristics

- Early maturing
- Drought tolerant
- Suitable for low rainfall conditions

Agro-Ecological Region II

Region II includes Central, Lusaka, and parts of Southern and Eastern Provinces. Rainfall ranges between 800 mm and 1,000 mm per year.

Suitable Maize Varieties

- SC 525
- SC 533
- ZMS 616
- MRI 624
- PAN 53

Characteristics

- Medium maturing
- High yielding
- Adapted to moderate rainfall conditions

Agro-Ecological Region III

Region III covers Northern, Muchinga, Copperbelt, Luapula, and North-Western Provinces. This region receives more than 1,000 mm of rainfall annually.

Suitable Maize Varieties

- SC 719
- SC 727
- ZMS 721
- MRI 744
- PAN 691

Characteristics

- Late maturing
- High yield potential
- Performs well under high rainfall conditions

Importance of Choosing the Right Variety

Selecting a suitable maize variety helps farmers:

- Increase crop yields
- Reduce losses caused by drought
- Improve food security
- Enhance income generation
- Achieve efficient use of available rainfall

In conclusion, the success of maize production in Zambia depends largely on matching maize varieties with the appropriate agro-ecological region. Farmers in low-rainfall areas should plant early-maturing and drought-tolerant varieties, while those in moderate rainfall should plant medium maturing and in high-rainfall regions can benefit from late-maturing, high-yielding varieties. Proper variety selection contributes significantly to increased productivity and sustainable agriculture. Every farmers who are in this different regions you are advised to follow this because it will improve food security and have high yields Without making loss.
The young agripreneur (Growing ideas Cultivating Future)