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Agri-Business News (ABN) is presently one of the biggest agriculture magazines on the Zambian market that seeks to inform, educate and assist farmers and would be farmers, agribusiness players, government, the donor community, purveyors and individual entities about agriculture developments taking place in and around Zambia and beyond so that they make informed decisions. Established in October 20

13, the ABN magazine tells the farmer's story beyond the story and educates farmers on how to carry on with their business of farming. With the above insights provided, we now invite you to log in to our www.agribusinessnews.co and see the content we offer and also buy advertising space.

19/10/2025

It's that time of the year farmers be careful

On October 17, 2025, at around 15:00 hours, Kalomo Police Station received a report of suspected counterfeit maize seed from Mr. Joseph Namanje Ngoma, aged 48, of Chikoli B Compound, Kalomo, who is also a Manager at Farmsave Agriculture Business in Kalomo District.

Mr. Ngoma reported that he had received information that some farmers in Kanyanga Village, Nyawa Chiefdom, Kazungula District, were in possession of suspected counterfeit maize seed. Acting on the information, police instituted investigations which led to the apprehension of two farmers, namely Mr. Clever Mweetwa, aged 56, and Mr. Oment Manengu, aged 48, both of Kanyanga Village, Nyawa Chiefdom, Kazungula District.

The two were found in possession of 36 x 10kg bags of maize seed packaged in Seedco-labelled bags. During interviews, the farmers disclosed that they had bought the seeds from Ms. Loveness Chisola, aged 35, of Mawaya Compound, Kalomo, at K600 per bag. The farmers later led officers to the apprehension of Ms. Chisola.

Upon being interviewed, Ms. Chisola claimed that she had ordered the seeds from an unknown person at Kabesha Market, Chibolya Compound, Lusaka, while on her way from Kasumbalesa, where she had gone for business. Police further recovered K16,000 from her, believed to be proceeds from the sale of the counterfeit seeds. The money has since been kept as an exhibit.

Local Seedco officials were engaged to verify the authenticity of the seeds. Mr. John Mufuzi, the Seedco Area Manager for Kalomo, inspected the recovered seed and confirmed that it was counterfeit and not a product of Seedco.

The 36 bags of maize seed have been secured at Kalomo Police Station. The two farmers, Mr. Clever Mweetwa and Mr. Oment Manengu, who were earlier apprehended, have since been released, while Ms. Loveness Chisola remains in police custody to assist with ongoing investigations.

The Zambia Police Service wishes to caution members of the public, particularly farmers, to purchase agricultural inputs only from certified and authorized dealers. Buying from unverified sources exposes them to counterfeit products and potential financial losses.

Issued by:
Auxensio Daka
Commanding Officer
Southern Province

18/10/2025

GWEMBE RESIDENTS URGE FRA TO DELIVER MAIZE TO LOCAL STORAGE SHEDS

Kkole Ward Development Committee Chairperson in Gwembe District, Smart Hakanjole, has called on the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to take maize grain to local storage sheds so that people can start buying.

Hakanjole notes that several residents in Kkole are currently experiencing hunger due to the lack of nearby markets to buy maize or mealie meal.

He has attributed the situation to the low rainfall experienced in the past two years, which led to most farmers losing their crops.

Hakanjole notes that currently, some locals are using canoes to sail to Siavonga to buy maize and mealie meal—a situation he feels is dangerous for the residents, in addition to the products getting soaked due to the water on the small boats.

Meanwhile, Gwembe District Commissioner Killian Chikandula tells Byta FM News in an interview that his office is aware of the hunger challenge that has affected most parts of the district.

Chikandula says he has written to FRA requesting them to start maize community sales.

Byta

Growing strawberries can be a delightful experience! Here's a comprehensive guide to help you get started:Choosing the R...
10/10/2025

Growing strawberries can be a delightful experience! Here's a comprehensive guide to help you get started:

Choosing the Right Variety

- June-bearing: Produces large berries in June, ideal for jam-making and freezing.
- Ever-bearing: Produces smaller berries throughout the growing season, perfect for snacking and salads.
- Day-neutral: Produces consistently throughout the growing season, regardless of daylight hours.

Growing Conditions

- Sunlight: Strawberries need full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight) to produce plenty of fruit.
- Soil: Well-draining, rich soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 is ideal.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.

Planting Strawberries

1. Buy healthy plants: Purchase plants from a reputable nursery or online supplier.
2. Prepare the soil: Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage.
3. Space correctly: Plant strawberries 18-24 inches apart, with the crown (where the roots meet the leaves) at soil level.
4. Water thoroughly: Water well after planting and keep the soil moist during the first few weeks.

Caring for Strawberries

1. Fertilize: Feed strawberries with a balanced fertilizer once a month.
2. Mulch: Mulch around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
3. Monitor for pests and diseases: Keep an eye out for signs of pests or diseases, and take action promptly if necessary.

Tips for a Bountiful Harvest

1. Pick regularly: Regular harvesting encourages plants to produce more fruit.
2. Provide support: Use strawberry clips or a strawberry jar to keep plants upright and fruit off the ground.
3. Keep the area weed-free: Regularly remove weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and water.

Growing Strawberries in Containers

1. Choose a large container: Use a container at least 6-8 inches deep and 12-18 inches wide.
2. Use a well-draining potting mix: Avoid using regular garden soil, as it can compact and prevent proper drainage.
3. Follow the same care instructions: Water, fertilize, and mulch as you would for in-ground strawberries.

10/10/2025

Mint is a versatile herb that offers numerous benefits, from culinary and medicinal uses to natural pest control and aesthetic appeal. Here are some of the key advantages of growing mint:

Benefits of Mint

- Digestive Health: Mint helps alleviate indigestion, bloating, and gas due to its natural digestive properties.
- Natural Pest Repellent: Mint's strong scent repels mosquitoes, ants, aphids, and other pests, making it an excellent companion plant.
- Respiratory Relief: Mint's menthol content helps clear nasal passages and reduce cold symptoms.
- Stress Relief and Mood Booster: The aroma of mint can reduce stress and anxiety, promoting mental clarity and well-being.
- Skin and Oral Health: Mint's antimicrobial properties can help treat skin conditions like acne and freshen breath.
- Culinary Uses: Mint is a popular ingredient in teas, cocktails, salads, and desserts, adding flavor and freshness to various dishes.¹ ² ³

How to Grow Mint

- Soil Requirements: Mint prefers rich, moist soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Sunlight: Mint thrives in partial shade to full sun, tolerating various light conditions.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
- Container Gardening: Growing mint in containers helps control its invasive spread and prevents overtaking other plants.
- Pruning and Harvesting: Regular pruning and harvesting encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering, which can reduce leaf quality.
- Propagation: Mint can be easily propagated through stem cuttings or division.⁴ ⁵ ⁶

Tips for Growing Mint

- Choose the Right Variety: Select from spearmint, peppermint, or other varieties based on your intended use and taste preferences.
- Use Root Barriers: Install root barriers to prevent mint's aggressive roots from spreading beyond the container.
- Fertilize: Feed mint with a balanced fertilizer once a month to promote healthy growth.

09/10/2025

ARREST OF TWO SUSPECTS IN CONNECTION WITH COUNTERFEIT MAIZE SEED PRODUCTION AND SUPPLY
The Zambia Police Service, through its Intellectual Property Unit (IPU), in collaboration with officers from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Seed Control and Certification Institute (SCCI), has today, 8th October 2025, apprehended two male suspects in connection with the illegal production and distribution of counterfeit maize seed.
The arrests followed a targeted operation conducted in Lusaka’s Mbasela and Shalom areas of the Garden House compound. The suspects were found in possession of materials used in the packaging and branding of counterfeit seed, posing a serious threat to Zambia’s agricultural sector and food security.

The World Bank has approved the second phase of the Transforming Landscapes for Resilience and Development (TRALARD II) ...
30/09/2025

The World Bank has approved the second phase of the Transforming Landscapes for Resilience and Development (TRALARD II) project, expanding support for Zambia's watershed management and forest conservation. This initiative aims to improve sustainable management of over 680,000 hectares of land and enhance livelihood resilience for more than 650,000 people in vulnerable communities of Zambia's Miombo ecoregion.

Key Objectives:

- Climate-Resilient Livelihoods: Promote climate-resilient livelihoods and support green jobs in priority sectors, particularly in Southern Province.
- Sustainable Land Management: Invest in climate-smart agriculture, restore degraded landscapes, and modernize hydromet services to enhance resilience to climate change.
- Community-Driven Approach: Deploy a whole-of-society approach to promote socioeconomic development needs of local communities and nature-based solutions.

Project Benefits:

- Improved Meteorological Services: Enhance weather monitoring and forecasting, and improve the quality and reliability of meteorological data to support timely and accurate climate forecasts.
- Forest Conservation: Protect existing forest reserves and establish new Community Forest Management Groups, empowering rural households to participate in conservation efforts.
- Carbon Market Participation: Develop a new jurisdictional Emission Reduction Program to strengthen Zambia's capacity to participate in carbon markets and generate additional resources for rural livelihoods.

Funding:

- Total Investment: $137 million
- International Development Association (IDA) Grant: $100 million
- Additional Funding Sources: Global Environment Facility (GEF), Least Developed Countries Fund for Climate Change (LDCF), Africa Climate and People (ACP) Trust Fund, Strategic Climate Fund (SCF)/Climate Investment Fund (CIF), and Scaling Climate Action by Lowering Emissions (SCALE) Multi-Donor Trust Fund.¹

30/09/2025

Zambia has launched the "Early Warning for All" initiative, championed by the UN Secretary-General, aiming to ensure everyone worldwide has access to life-saving early warning systems by 2027. Vice President Dr. Mutale Nalumango emphasized the importance of strengthening preparedness to safeguard communities against climate-related disasters. She highlighted the need for effective, people-centered, and accessible early warning systems, urging stakeholders to work together to save lives, protect livelihoods, and secure a sustainable future.

Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo has directed the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) in Muchinga Province to ensure that no maiz...
29/09/2025

Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo has directed the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) in Muchinga Province to ensure that no maize grain is soaked by the rains as the country heads towards the rainy season.
Mr. Mtolo, who is on a working visit to the province, said strict crop management was critical in safeguarding the national food reserves.
He warned that any negligence in handling the bumper harvest would undermine food security and erode government’s efforts to stabilise the agriculture sector.
“I want to make it very clear. No maize should be left vulnerable to rains. Every grain must be protected because this is the nation’s food security at stake,” the Minister said.
Earlier, the Minister paid a courtesy call on the Muchinga Provincial Administration before inspecting FRA depots to assess storage conditions.
He expressed satisfaction with the overall management of maize stocks, commending the agency for keeping the crop orderly and secure.
Mr. Mtolo also urged FRA staff to remain vigilant and proactive, particularly as the rainy season approaches, and to expedite the relocation of maize from depots at risk of exposure.
The Minister’s visit comes after Zambia recorded a bumper harvest of 3.7 million metric tonnes of maize during the 2024/2025 farming season, a development government attributes to improved farmer support and favourable weather patterns.
Mr. Mtolo said the Ministry of Agriculture will continue monitoring storage facilities across the country to ensure that the harvest is preserved and used to strengthen food security and market stability.

This is a golden opportunity for farmers.
25/09/2025

This is a golden opportunity for farmers.

SMART FARMINGDiversified Crop Rotation as Climate-Smart FarmingThe circular farm design demonstrates diversified crop ro...
25/09/2025

SMART FARMING
Diversified Crop Rotation as Climate-Smart Farming
The circular farm design demonstrates diversified crop rotation, a vital practice in climate-smart agriculture. By integrating maize, soybeans, and fruit crops such as banana and tomato, farmers build resilience against the adverse effects of climate variability while maintaining productivity.
Key Climate-Smart Benefits:
1. Soil Fertility & Health: Leguminous crops like soybean enrich the soil with nitrogen, reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers and improving long-term soil structure.
2. Pest & Disease Control: Rotating diverse crops minimizes the buildup of pests and pathogens that thrive in monoculture systems, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
3. Efficient Resource Use: Different crops make varying demands on soil nutrients and water, ensuring balanced use and reducing soil degradation.
4. Food & Income Security: Diversification allows farmers to harvest a variety of foods (grains, roots, legumes, fruits) while spreading market and climate risks across multiple crops.
5. Water Conservation: The central water reservoir supporting irrigation—making the system more sustainable in the face of erratic rainfall.
Why It Matters:
This farm model is not only productive but also adaptive to changing climate conditions. By integrating crops and water systems in a circular, rotational design, farmers achieve higher yields, reduce climate risks, and promote sustainable land use.

Credit:Meshaque Kilonzo

Strawberries are a delicious and rewarding fruit to grow! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to grow strawberries and th...
25/09/2025

Strawberries are a delicious and rewarding fruit to grow! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to grow strawberries and the best time to do so:

When to Grow Strawberries:

- Climate: Strawberries prefer cooler temperatures and can thrive in temperate climates with mild winters and cool summers.
- Best Time: In most regions, the best time to plant strawberries is in early spring (February-March) or late summer/early fall (August-September).
- Specific Regions: In Zambia, the best time to grow strawberries would be during the cooler months of April to August, when the temperatures are mild.

How to Grow Strawberries:

1. Choose a Location: Select a spot with full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight) and well-draining soil.
2. Prepare the Soil: Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5) with good organic matter. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
3. Obtain Strawberry Plants: You can purchase strawberry plants from a nursery or online. Choose varieties suitable for your climate and desired harvest period.
4. Plant Strawberries: Plant strawberry plants 12-18 inches apart, with the crown (where the roots and leaves meet) at soil level. Water well.
5. Water and Mulch: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Mulch around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
6. Fertilize: Feed strawberries with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 NPK) in early spring and again after harvest.
7. Pest and Disease Management: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids, slugs, and snails. Regularly inspect plants for signs of disease like powdery mildew or botrytis.

Tips and Variations:

- Container Growing: Strawberries can be grown in containers, making them a great option for small spaces or balconies.
- Variety Selection: Choose strawberry varieties that suit your climate, desired harvest period, and intended use (fresh eating, freezing, or jam-making).
- Ever-Bearing vs. June-Bearing: Ever-bearing strawberries produce smaller fruit throughout the growing season, while June-bearing varieties produce larger fruit in a single harvest.

Be Entrepreneur-Minded, ZNS Commander Tells PersonnelZambia National Service (ZNS) Commander, Lieutenant General Enginee...
25/09/2025

Be Entrepreneur-Minded, ZNS Commander Tells Personnel
Zambia National Service (ZNS) Commander, Lieutenant General Engineer Maliti Solochi II, has called on Service personnel to be entrepreneurial and innovative in order to create multiple streams of income and contribute to national development.
Speaking during an indaba with personnel at ZNS Choma Unit after touring the Unit and Nyati Farms, the Commander encouraged members to explore business opportunities that could not only improve their livelihoods but also create employment for others.
“One of the best ways to grow financially is by thinking beyond your salary. If you cultivate maize, for instance, the Service can even buy from you. In the end, you will have additional income, employ others and contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” Lt Gen Solochi said.
The Commander stressed that Service personnel must avoid laziness and instead embrace creativity, innovation and hard work.
“Do not be lazy personnel, but innovative. Think of ways you can generate income, sustain yourselves and support the economy,” the ZNS Commander added.
Earlier, Lt Gen Solochi toured ZNS Nyati Farms, where he inspected to***co fields and ZNS Choma Unit, where he visited livestock projects.
He re-echoed the call to scale up livestock production and strengthen agribusiness as part of the Service’s mandate to boost national food security and drive economic growth.
The Commander’s remarks formed part of his ongoing Southern Province tour aimed at engaging personnel, boosting morale and encouraging innovation within the ranks.

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