Govt targets 10 million metric tonnes of maize production by 2031

Government has set an ambitious target to produce 10 million metric tonnes of maize annually by 2031, with Agriculture Minister Reuben Phiri emphasising that strengthening the seed sector will be critical to achieving the country’s agricultural production goals.

Speaking during the Zamseed Partnership Day Field Day on Tuesday, Phiri said quality seed remains the foundation for increased agricultural productivity and economic transformation.

He noted that government recognised the strategic role played by Zamseed, which has evolved into a reputable institution supplying drought-tolerant, disease-resistant and high-yielding seed varieties across multiple crops since its establishment in 1975.

Phiri said the performance of the seed sector continued to improve, citing increased maize seed production and exports.

“In 2025, Zambia produced 178,000 metric tonnes of maize seed, of which 88,380 metric tonnes were exported, compared to 52,000 metric tonnes exported in 2024. Zamseed has been one of the major contributors to this performance,” he said.

He explained that the growth in seed production demonstrated that quality seed remained a critical driver in achieving Government’s agricultural production targets.

“Quality seed is not just an input but a foundation for high productivity, resilience and consistency in agricultural output,” Mr Phiri said.

He further noted that government had placed agriculture at the centre of Zambia’s economic transformation agenda, with President Hakainde Hichilema setting ambitious production targets for the sector.

Phiri said government aimed to produce 10 million metric tonnes of maize and one million metric tonnes each of soybean and wheat annually by 2031.

He stressed that achieving these targets required a strong and efficient seed system, describing seed as the foundation upon which agricultural productivity is built.

To support the vision, Phiri outlined key pillars under government’s national seed strategy, including strengthening regulatory systems, promoting exports, investing in research and enhancing access to quality seed.

He said government continued to enhance the capacity of the Seed Control and Certification Institute to ensure certified seed met high quality standards.

Phiri also highlighted the promotion of seed exports as a strategic economic priority, noting that Zambia has a comparative advantage in seed production due to favourable climate conditions, technical expertise and a strong research base.

He said Government would continue facilitating market access through regional frameworks such as Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and Southern African Development Community.

Phiri further emphasised Government’s commitment to supporting agricultural research and innovation to develop climate-resilient, high-yielding and nutritious seed varieties.

He added that Government was also enhancing access to improved seed through programmes such as the Farmer Input Support Programme and expansion of agro-dealer networks across the country.

Phiri noted that Africa continued to import large quantities of food despite having the capacity to produce sufficient supplies, adding that strengthening seed systems and promoting intra-African trade would help address the challenge.

“Zambia stands ready to be a reliable seed partner. We have the land, expertise and regulatory systems necessary to support increased agricultural production across the region,” he said.

Phiri encouraged corporate clients and distribution partners to deepen collaboration with Zamseed, stating that stronger partnerships, expanded trials and knowledge sharing were critical in advancing agricultural transformation across Africa.

He added that hovernment would continue facilitating partnerships and ensuring regulatory processes support trade, while maintaining Zambia’s competitiveness in regional seed markets.

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