ZNFU predicts low yield of maize

ZNFU predicts low yield of maize

Kasempa, February 27, ZANIS ——– The Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) says the late delivery of farming input is likely affect this year’s maize harvest in Kasempa district.

And Ministry of Agriculture and livestock also states that 1,512 farmers did not apply Urea fertilizer to their maize fields by 31^st January 2013, a situation likely to result in a reduction of maize production.

This was disclosed during the District Development Coordinating Committee (DDCC) meeting which was held recently in Kasempa where it was revealed that late delivery of fertilizers would affect crop yields and increase poverty levels in the area.

ZNFU Kasempa Executive Manager, Cletus Lwiindi said during the meeting that the union is working towards encouraging farmers graduate from depending on farming inputs from government by promoting the Lima Credit Scheme.

Mr Lwiindi said 650 farmers members had access to the scheme and were able to buy fertilizer from Nyiombo Investment limited for this year’s farming season.

 He however said some farmers were affected by the late delivery of fertilizer and recommended for government’s intervention in order to avoid the situation from reoccurring in the next farming season.

And in his report, District Agricultural Coordinator Gabriel Chitumbo highlighted areas where farmers received Urea fertilizer by 2^nd February 2013, as Jifumpa, Kanongo, Njenga, Kamakechi, Mukunashi and Lubofu among others.

Mr Chitumbo attributed the shortage of fertilizers in the district to Nyiombo Investment which had sold fertilizers meant for famers to the ZNFU and created scarcity of the commodity.

Mr Chitumbo has since recommended for government and Nyiombo Investment Limited to build more storage sheds specifically for the Farmer Input Support Programme.