NUSFAZ PREDICTS DECLINE IN MAIZE HARVEST FROM 3.2 MILLION TO 2.5 MILLION TONNES
By Michael Kaluba
The National Union For Small Scale Farmers In Zambia-NUSFAZ- predicts that the impending maize crop harvest will be less than 2.5 million tonnes, down from 3.2 million tonnes harvested in the previous farming season.
NUSFAZ Executive Director Ebony Lolozhi tells Phoenix News that this estimate is based on unfavorable reports from farmers around the country whose crops have been damaged by a series of dry spells.
Mr. Lolozhi forecasts minimal yields this year, which will damage the economy of individual farmers’ and present challenges to Zambia’s food security.
He explains that the current drought has led crops to reach permanent rooting levels, and will hinder any prospects of an increase in production as witnessed previously.
Mr. Lolozhi has also stated that, while there is nothing wrong with selling maize to neighboring countries, trade in the commodity should coincide with increased agricultural output, which is not currently occurring.
PHOENIX NEWS