• Shortage of maize seed in Kitwe has been addressed.
• Seed companies holding on to the maize seed.
• Maize seed distribution commences at a late stage.

Zambia Agro Dealers Association has disclosed that the shortage of maize seed in Kitwe, on the Copperbelt has been addressed.
Speaking in an interview with Money FM News, Association Spokesperson Bright Chikambwe said one of the reasons that led to the shortage was Seed Companies who were holding on to the maize seed.
Mr. Chikambwe stated that the maize seed is now on the market and late stage distribution has commenced.
“Maize seed Companies were not certain on how the business will go that is what led to them holding on to the product, but now they have released.” A draft is what has helped farmers otherwise they are receiving the maize seed at a late stage.”
“Farmers are complaining as they need to start planting early mature seed and some of the maize seed they are receiving is late mature seed. All farmers need early mature seed but there is late mature seed and some which are medium, which is another problem they are facing.” Mr. Chikambwe stated.
Last week, Kitwe farmers on the Copperbelt were hit by the shortage of maize seed, a situation which caused panic among farmers who are not on the government funded Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).