Zambia harvests 3,5 million tonnes

Production of Rice is forecast to increase by 4,6 percent to 26 675 tonnes from 25 514 tonnes last season.

THE World Farmers Organisation general assembly held in Lusaka, Zambia revealed that country had harvested 3,5 million tonnes of maize for the 2015/2016 agricultural season.

The 2015/2016 crop forecasting survey revealed that the country will record an increased maize harvest of 2,8 million tonnes representing 9,73 percent increase from the 2,6  million tonnes produced last year.

The national food balance sheet for the 2016/2017 marketing season based on the crop forecasting survey shows that the country has produced sufficient maize for both human consumption and industrial use.

The country also has a maize carry-over stock amounting to 667,524 tonnes as at May 1, 2016. This brings the total maize supply for the 2016/2017 marketing season to 3,5 million  tonnes.

The current food balance sheet for total maize required for human consumption, industrial use and other commitments is estimated at 2,8 million .

Meanwhile production of soya beans is forecast to increase by 18,19 percent to 267 490 tonnes from  226 323 tonnes last year. Production of Rice is forecast to increase by 4,6 percent to 26 675 tonnes from 25 514 tonnes last season.

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