• In 2019 the Province had 61, 000 metric tonnes of maize harvest.
• Open pollinated variety seeds have a huge yield under favorable conditions.
• This year the province is expected to have a significant increase in the maize harvest.

Southern Province Minister says the Province is this year expected to record a significant increase in the maize harvest.
Speaking in Namwala district during the Zambezi Seed Southern Province field day, Edify Hamukale disclosed that in 2019, the region had 61, 000 metric tonnes of maize harvest, and 470, 000 metric tonnes in 2020.
Dr. Hamukale stated that government is committed to supporting farmers in all their endeavors.
“In 2019 the Province had 61, 000 metric tonnes of maize harvest, in 2020 the Province had 470, 000 metrics tonnes of maize harvest and this year the province is expected to have a significant increase in the maize harvest” Dr. Hamukale said.
And the Minister advised farmers in the Province to consider planting open pollinated variety seeds this agriculture season.
“I am told that open pollinated variety seeds have a huge yield under favorable conditions and less expensive in breeding, making it cheaper for small scale farmers.”
And Dr. Hamukale said government has been supporting Livestock farmers in the district with a ready market for their animas, as it is the only district in the country with a huge livestock population than people.
Meanwhile, Southern Province Agricultural Coordinator Dr. Max Choombe disclosed that Namwala district and surrounding areas are currently experiencing the African Migratory Locusts and encouraged farmers to report to his office whenever they see them.
“Farmers must also start with a good seed like zm521 for them to have a good yield,” Dr. Choombe said.