Farmers Prime Newspaper

22/03/2026

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15g @ K5
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50g @ K15
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200g @ K50
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11/03/2026

Author: Smarty Farmer
WhatsApp: 0973345493

To make good profit from cucumbers, the best strategy is to plant when few farmers have cucumbers in the market.

In Zambia, cucumber prices are usually high during the cool dry season and early hot season because supply is low.
Below is a simple guide for Local Cucumber vs English Cucumber.

1. Local Cucumber (Open Field)

Best Planting Time for Profit

✅ February – March
Harvest: April – May

Reason: Most rainy season crops finish and supply reduces.

✅ May – June (Very profitable)
Harvest: July – August

This is the cold season when cucumber supply is low, so prices go up.

✅ September – October
Harvest: November – December

Demand is high because of hot weather.
Avoid Planting

❌ December – January
Heavy rains cause diseases.

Many farmers plant at this time, causing oversupply and low prices.

2. English Cucumber (Greenhouse or Irrigation)

English cucumber normally sells to supermarkets, lodges, and restaurants, so timing is important.

Best Planting Time for Profit

✅ April – May
Harvest: June – August

Few cucumbers in the market → very high prices.

✅ July – August
Harvest: September – October

Demand increases due to hot weather.

Advantage of English Cucumber

-Higher price per kg
-Longer shelf life
-Preferred by supermarkets

3. Market Opportunities

Good markets for cucumbers include:

-Local Markets
-Supermarkets and lodges

During June, July and August, cucumber prices usually become 2–3 times higher than during rainy season.

4. Production Tips for Profit

🌱 Plant in stages every 2–3 weeks so you harvest continuously.

-💧 Use irrigation during the dry season.
-🦠 Spray early for aphids, whiteflies and mildew.
-📦 Harvest when fruits are still young and fresh because buyers prefer that.

here is a simple explanation of how farmers can make K15,000 – K40,000 from 1 lima of cucumbers and the spray program for cucumbers.

HOW FARMERS MAKE K12,000 – K30,000 FROM 1 LIMA OF CUCUMBERS

5. Yield from 1 Lima

If cucumbers are well managed, 1 lima (about 0.25 hectare) can produce:
4,000 – 6,000 cucumber fruits.

If you sell cucumbers in bundles or per fruit:

Example:
1 cucumber = K3 – K5 (depending on season)

Calculation example:

4,000 cucumbers × K3 = K12,000
6,000 cucumbers × K5 = K30,000

This is why farmers can make K12,000 – K30,000 per crop cycle.

Cucumbers start harvesting 35–45 days after planting and harvesting continues for 3–4 weeks.

6. Spray Program for Cucumbers

Cucumbers are attacked by aphids, whiteflies, red spider mites and fungal diseases.

Early spraying is important.

Week 1–2 (After Germination)
Spray for sucking pests.

Example chemicals:

Imidacloprid
Lambda-cyhalothrin (active ingredient)
Spray once every 7 days.

Week 3–4
Start spraying for diseases.

7. Common diseases:

-Powdery mildew
-Downy mildew

Example fungicides:( when buying chemicals, go for active ingredient, not brand name)

Mancozeb
Metalaxyl

NOTE
Spray every 7 days
Week 5 Until Harvest.

Combine insecticide + fungicide.
Example program:

Monday: Insecticide
Friday: Fungicide

Always rotate chemicals to avoid resistance.

8. Fertilizer Program

Good fertilizer increases cucumber yield.

At Planting
Apply:
Basal fertilizer

2 Weeks After Planting
Apply:
Top Dressing

During Flowering
Apply:
Fertilizer with NPK 20:20:20 or foliar fertilizer

This helps plants produce many fruits.

9. Important Tips for Profit

🌱 Plant during May–June or July for high prices.

-💧 Water cucumbers every day during dry season.
-🌿 Remove weeds early.
-📦 Harvest cucumbers every 2 days to encourage more fruits.

10. ✅ Secret of successful cucumber farmers:
Plant when few farmers are planting.
Maintain good spraying program.

Conclusion 🌾

Cucumber farming is a very profitable short-term crop for farmers who manage it properly.

With good planning, spraying, and market timing, even a small area like 1 lima can generate thousands of kwacha within two months.

Farmers are encouraged to treat cucumber farming as a business and not just a garden crop.

11/03/2026

ZAMBIA SEEKS TO LEVERAGE VIETNAM’S AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES TO PERPETUATE FOOD PRODUCTION

The Government of the Republic of Zambia says the technological advancements and efficient farming systems observed in Vietnam provide important lessons that can support Zambia’s efforts to actualise all-year-round food production as directed by the republican President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema.

Speaking after a field visit in Vietnam’s Can Tho City as part of a high-level study tour, Agriculture Minister, Mr. Reuben Mtolo, MP, said Zambia can significantly benefit from Vietnam’s agricultural transformation, particularly in the organisation of small-scale farmers, adoption of modern technology, and effective land utilisation.

Mr.Mtolo noted that Vietnam’s success demonstrates how coordinated policies, technological adoption and farmer empowerment can drive agricultural productivity.

The Minister explained that one of the key reforms implemented by the Vietnamese Government involved transitioning land management from cooperative ownership to individual farmers, while still maintaining cooperative collaboration.

Under this model, farmers manage individual plots of land and directly benefit from the productivity of their fields.

Mr. Mtolo observed that this system has enhanced efficiency, accountability and productivity, as farmers take greater responsibility for the management of their land while benefiting from shared services within cooperatives.

He further noted that Vietnam has adopted a deliberate approach of allocating manageable parcels of land to individual farmers, allowing for easier adoption of modern farming technologies, efficient crop management and effective control of pests and diseases.

The Minister also highlighted the significant gains recorded in rice production. While farmers in Zambia currently produce an average of about 1.5 tonnes of rice per hectare, farmers in Vietnam are able to achieve yields of up to 8 tonnes per hectare due to improved seed varieties, modern farming techniques and strong extension support systems.

The Minister was also impressed with that country’s extensive irrigation infrastructure which enables farmers to cultivate crops up to three times per year on the same piece of land, thereby significantly increasing annual production levels.

“This approach demonstrates the importance of investing in irrigation systems, improved seed varieties and modern technologies if Zambia is to achieve consistent food production throughout the year,” Hon. Mtolo said.

The Minister also commended Vietnam’s efficient utilisation of agricultural by-products.

Rice straw, for example, is used in mushroom cultivation and organic fertiliser production, while rice husks are processed into livestock feed, ensuring maximum value is derived from agricultural production with minimal waste.

Hon. Mtolo stated that the Zambian delegation led by finance and national planning Minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane which includes scientists, technical experts and senior government officials undertook both theoretical and practical engagements during the visit to better understand the systems and policies that have contributed to Vietnam’s agricultural success.

He emphasised that the insights gained from the study tour will inform Zambia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity, promote irrigation development and enhance the adoption of modern technologies among smallholder farmers.
And Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit, Ms. Kusobile Kamwmbi said the Zambian Government was committed to implementing practical reforms that will support the transformation of the agricultural sector and contribute to national food security, economic growth and sustainable rural development.

She explained that the lessons drawn from Vietnam underscore the importance of strengthening implementation systems to support Zambia’s agricultural transformation agenda.

Ms Kamwambi said the Presidential Delivery Unit will continue working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and other line ministries to strengthen coordination, monitoring and accountability mechanisms to ensure that agricultural programmes deliver tangible results for farmers and contribute to national development outcomes.
‎

03/02/2026

TBZ LAUNCHES TO***CO GROWER VALIDATION EXERCISE

The To***co Board of Zambia (TBZ) has embarked on a nationwide to***co grower validation and verification exercise across all production regions.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager Lee Haamunji announced that the initiative will commence on 4th February 2026 and continue for two weeks.

He emphasised that the programme is designed to verify registered growers, validate fields, and collect production data for the 2026 To***co Marketing Season.

Haamunji explained that the exercise forms part of TBZ’s broader strategy to reinforce regulatory compliance and strengthen industry oversight.

He highlighted that joint validation will be conducted with stakeholders at the field level to ensure transparency and accuracy.

Haamunji underscored that all self-contracted growers will undergo full validation, while contracted growers will be assessed selectively based on risk profiling and regional considerations.

He further clarified that the process will involve physical inspection of fields, plant populations, and to***co varieties, alongside the collection of crop performance data.

Haamunji stressed that sponsoring merchants, grower associations, and industry stakeholders must ensure their technical and field officers actively participate.

He reiterated that the validation exercise is expected to contribute significantly to the growth and sustainability of the to***co sector.

Haamunji affirmed that the initiative will ultimately benefit farmers, stakeholders, and the national economy.

He urged all parties involved to treat the exercise as a matter of priority for the industry’s future.

Spotlight Media

03/12/2025

Three people have been killed by lightning while an 11-months-old baby from the same family is in a critical condition in Chiundaponde area of Lavushimanda district in Muchinga Province.

Muchinga Province Police Commissioner, Denis Moola, confirmed the death of the three who died after lightning struck their house.

Mr Moola said in a press statement that the incident occurred on Monday 1st December, 2025 at around 17:30 hours in Chiundaponde chiefdom.

He explained that community members who rushed to the scene, took the seven victims to Muwele Health Post where the three were pronounced dead upon arrival.

"The community members rushed to the scene, upon seeing fire frames and found all the seven members of the family unconscious," he said.

Mr Moola has since identified the deceased as Naomi Chibende aged 28, who sustained burns on her face, both upper and lower limbs, Malama Yombwe aged 22, who sustained a swollen body and four-year-old Mumba Sobongo, who sustained burns on the face, hands and on the back.

He added that among the surviving victims is an 11-month-old baby, Kapya Wuli Junior, who sustained burns on the face, hands, back and a swollen head.

He said Kapya is in a critical condition at Muwele Health Post where he is receiving treatment.

Mr Moola identified other victims that were treated as outpatients as Kapya Wuli aged 32, who sustained burns on his backside, right leg, shoulders and hands, and Chilekwa Mwansa Junior aged 10 who also sustained burns on the right hands while David K***a aged 7, has burns on the lower limbs and face.

03/12/2025

ELEPHANTS CAUSE HAVOC AMONG FARMERS IN SHANGOMBO.

A herd of elephants is causing havoc among farmers in Shangombo District, Western Province, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

https://www.facebook.com/100063489975761/posts/1451614380298214/?app=fbl

The elephants have invaded farms, destroying winter maize crops and other produce, and even venturing into villages to feast on mangoes and cashew nuts.

However, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife has so far deployed more officers and resources to the area.

Western Region Warden Pharod Moonga has since urged the community members to be vigilant and avoid taking lone walks either to their fields or anywhere because the Elephants are on the loose.

Mr. Moonga further said his office is currently facing a challenge of inadequate man power and transport to enable them cartel the increased presence of the large mammals in Districts such as Shangombo, Sioma, Sesheke and Mwandi.

Courtesy - Prime Television Zambia

03/12/2025

03/12/2025

FARMERS DELAYING TO REDEEM FARMING INPUTS

By Francis Mulenda

The Ministry of Agriculture has called on the farmers not to delay in redeeming their inputs ahead of the 2025/26 farming season.

This came to light after the government observed that a total of 22, 1779 Farmers Inputs Supported Farmers have not yet redeemed their imports on time.
The number representing 22% of the 1,024,434 targeted farmers across the country.

In a statement made available to Farmers Prime newspaper by the Ministry’s Principle Public Relations officer Balewa Zyuuu indicates a total of 802,655 farmers have successfully redeemed their farming inputs representing 78%.

He said the Government commends all farmers who have redeemed their inputs early, as this contributes to timely planting and improved yields.

The Government is further urging all agro-dealers across the country to continue stocking sufficient inputs in line with the increasing pace of farmer redemptions

21/10/2025

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE & MINISTRY OF FISHERIES AND LIVESTOCK
ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

The Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will host the 2025 Farmers’ Crusade Exhibition, an event that brings together farmers from across the country to showcase their crops, fisheries, and livestock produce.
Theme: “61 Years of Peace and Unity: Building a Resilient and Prosperous Zambia.”

This year’s Farmers’ Crusade forms part of the celebrations marking 61 years of Zambia’s Independence, highlighting our collective commitment to a sustainable and vibrant agriculture sector.

The general public is warmly invited to attend and participate in the exhibition, which will be held on 21st and 22nd October 2025 at Cosmopolitan Mall, Makeni, Lusaka.

For more details, please contact the Secretariat at:
📞 +260 976 520 206 | +260 966 952 392

28/03/2024

FRA INTENSIFIES COMMUNITY SALES PROGRAMME TO ALLEVIATE HUNGER

PRESS STATEMENT

In February 2024, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zambia Mr. Hakainde Hichilema declared the drought situation as a national disaster. Six provinces namely: Southern, Western, Eastern, Central, Lusaka and parts of the Copperbelt experienced mild to severe drought exposing households to food insecurity.

In response to this situation, the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) was directed to enhance Community Sales and ensure that maize was made available to vulnerable households in the affected areas.

Arising from the current situation, the Agency (FRA) has re-strategised its Community Sales approach by moving selling points from centralised district depot locations to satellite depot locations that were used as buying locations during the previous crop marketing season.

This means that maize shall be prepositioned in satellite locations closer to communities in areas affected by drought and consequently reduce the distances for communities to access the maize on sale.

It should be noted that each household is entitled to buy ONLY one 50 kilogramme bag per month and affected districts such as Shang’ombo, Gwembe, Kabwe, Kalomo, Mumbwa, Lukulu, Sinazongwe, Zambezi, Ikelengi, and Kazungula just to mention but a few are currently benefitting from this programme.

In this regard, the Agency (FRA) has intensified the Community Sales programme and is currently implementing the programme in eighty-four (84) districts spread across the drought affected provinces as an intervention aimed at addressing food insecurity.

Agency is selling a 50 kilogramme bag of maize under this programme at K330.00.

Therefore, the Agency expects the local leadership in deserving areas to utilise this opportunity and apply for maize under this programme in order for the vulnerable communities/households to benefit and address their food needs. It should be noted that this programme is a direct, affordable and cheaper alternative that provides maize for milling into mealie meal in order to ensure household food security in vulnerable communities countrywide.


(Original signed by)
John Chipandwe
Public Relations Coordinator

14/03/2024

Technology keeps on changing.This is known as In-house Hatching.

Poultry farmers who hatch their own eggs in incubators are used to placing the eggs in incubators for 18 days then transferring them to hatchers at day 18 to be hatched into chicks at day 21.

In this new technology known as, eggs from incubators are transferred directly in a poultry house and the eggs to be hatched placed on the floor instead of a hatcher at day 18 .

In here the parameters such as temperature, humidity and ventilation are the same as that of a hatcher.

The eggs hatch into chicks and start their lives as day old chicks here.

Water and feeds are placed here and chicks start feeding and drinking immediately after being hatched.

With this technology the chicks have:

Enough space

High hatching rate

Low disease spread

Bigger space for hatching

Chicks have access to feed and water immediately after hatching therefore giving them a good start.

Stress in chick transportation is avoided therefore less dehydration.

I hope major hatcheries in Zambia will adopt this system.