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Agriculture Minister, Reuben Mtolo, has urged the private sector to increase investment in storage facilities, agro-processing plants, and agricultural infrastructure to support Zambia’s growing agricultural ambitions.
Mtolo announced that the government was targeting the production of 340,000 metric tonnes of maize in 2025 and over 1.6 million metric tonnes by 2026 under the Presidential Irrigation Programme, adding that this would require adequate storage and processing capacity.
He was speaking during the inaugural Mazabuka Agri-Expo held at the Mazabuka Turf Club in Southern Province on Friday.
The Minister emphasized that collaboration between government and the private sector would help build a fully integrated agricultural ecosystem that ensures food security, creates jobs, increases exports, and drives sustainable national development.
“These efforts will be supported by continued investment in irrigation infrastructure, mechanisation, extension services, and improved market linkages,” Mtolo said.
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He added that the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP), launched in 2024, was a critical vehicle for achieving these aspirations by strengthening farmer capacity, enhancing value chains, and facilitating private sector participation.
Mtolo assured that the government was committed to ensuring that Zambia’s agricultural sector remained viable, resilient, and sustainable in the face of climate change and global market pressures.
He said this commitment was being realised through deliberate policy actions promoting modern irrigation systems, drought-tolerant seed varieties, renewable energy solutions, digital farming platforms, and affordable financing options.
“These interventions are not merely policies on paper; they represent tangible opportunities for farmers to enhance productivity, increase incomes, and improve food security,” he said.
Mtolo reiterated that the government remained steadfast in transforming the agricultural sector into a diversified, competitive, and sustainable driver of economic growth, employment, and food security.
He added that flagship initiatives were already being implemented, including the transition of the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) to a 100 percent electronic voucher system.
“This reform will enhance efficiency, accountability, and transparency in the distribution of farming inputs, ensuring that resources directly benefit the intended farmers,” he said.
The Minister further revealed that the Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility (SAFF) was being rolled out to provide affordable financing for farmers and agribusinesses.
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