GOVERNMENT FORECASTS SURPLUS PRODUCTION Government has announced another maize surplus production of 3,350,671MT for the 2013/14 season overcoming both late input distribution and late onset of rains. Agriculture and Livestock Minister Hon. Wilbur Simuusa attributed the good maize output to an increase in total area planted which increased to 1,419,326ha, increased fertilizer usage and improved extension services. With carry-over stocks of 597,000MT, total expected maize supply in 2014 has been estimated at 3,900,000MT. This means that the country will have 1,152,505MT surplus maize for possible commercial maize exports. This huge surplus will exert high pressure on the country’s limited grain storage facilities, and makes exports timely. The Government maize forecast of 3,350,671MT is higher than ZNFU’s earlier forecasted figure of 2,700,000MT of both small and large scale maize production for the 2013/14. ZNFU maize production estimate took into account the late delivery of FISP inputs, effect of early termination of rains on grain filling and weight in the Southern half of the country, and the effects of flash flood in areas such as Muchinga, Northern and parts of Eastern Province. Unlike the case for increased maize production estimates, Cotton and soya estimates for 2013/14 season are down by 17.96 percent and 13.8 percent respectively as a result of poor marketing conditions during the 2012/13 season. In view of the anticipated increase in grains production in the 2013/2014 season, it is important that farmers unite in seeking the best price for maize grain. Farmers should NOT accept to sell their maize below export parity price regardless of the buyer. In order to help farmers with reference grains prices in the region, ZNFU will continue to provide price information in the Agro-watch which is flashed out to members every Monday. PIG FARMERS APPEAL TO GOVERNMENT TO STOP IMPORTATION OF PIGS Pig farmers have appealed to government to immediately stop the importation of pigs and pork products with an exception of breeding pigs. This came to light during the Pigs Commodity Committee meeting that took place today the 9th May, 2014 at the ZNFU Head Office in Lusaka. The meeting also resolved that all informal abattoirs should be closed down and that only registered or licensed ones should be allowed to operate. FARMERS EXPRESS FEAR OVER HIGH COST OF PRODUCTION Farmers in the Central Region are worried about foreseeably high 2014 cost of production in the wake of the recent hike in fuel prices compounded by the instability of the kwacha. Calling on the Zambia National Farmers’ Union to use its lobbying and advocacy mandate for an intervention, the farmers have cited the cost of transportation of agricultural inputs and produce as the major worry. A cross-sectional visit on a number of farms in the region reveals a fear that this year’s marketing season will most likely be negatively affected.
Posted on: Sat, 10 May 2014 06:27:36 +0000
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