The Zambian government has embarked on the construction of 98 warehouses countrywide, at a cost of K300 million, to reduce post-harvest grain losses arising from lack of storage. This followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Advanced African Solutions (ADAS) and local contractor Savenda Management Services. “This will harness…
Information on the involvement of South Africa’s government in crop insurance could be available during the national budget, while insurance for emerging farmers will also be on the agenda. “The government and private insurers are investigating various policy solutions for the development of a crop insurance scheme, which could ease…
It is the season af marketing and trade, during which maize move across borders in southern Africa. Due to the general good harvest and abundant supply, prices remain low, except in eastern Africa, where the harvest is still going on. KENYA Maize imports have increased from mid-June and harvesting is…
Government will spend K2million to implement proactive measures to fight fall armyworm in the next farming season, says Zambian Agriculture Minister Dora Siliya. Experts predict the fall armyworm outbreak that first emerged in southern Africa during the last farming season, will continue to wreak havoc in the new season. “This…
The South African maize harvest has exceeded all expectations, with the Crop Estimate Committee now putting it at 16.414 million tonnes - 444 175 tonnes (2.78%) more than the previous estimate of 15. 969 million tonnes a month ago. “It is unbelievable that one year you have one of the…
Maize price negotiations between the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) and the Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU) have broken down with the union abandoning talks to pursue direct discussions with the Ministry of Agriculture. A reliable source told Africanfarming.com that ZNFU at the weekend decided to talk to government directly, after…
The Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWSNET) predicts severe food insecurity in parts of Zambia. Economists also warn against maize scarcity and high prices in the long-term, following this year’s chaotic grain marketing season. FEWSNET linked the looming food insecurity to slower than usual local and regional demand coupled with…
The sixth South African crop estimate was released yesterday and South Africa is set to harvest its biggest maize yield ever – 15, 969 million tons. The National Crop Estimate Committee (CEC) increased the expected maize crop with 2.16% from the previous estimate. This means this years’ commercial crop harvest…
South African maize exports increased; 24% of 2.2 million tons destined for exports has already left country South Africa has increased its maize exports. The most yellow maize ever exported this season has been shipped in the week ending on July 14. According to recent records from the South African…
Poultry input costs are still high despite the bumper harvest of maize and soya bean. This prompted the Poultry Association of Zambia (PAZ) to appeal to feed manufacturers to cut prices. “Maize and soya bean are key ingredients in poultry stock feed and we expected prices to come down as…
Zimbabwe have imposed a ban on grain imports after the latest output forecast shows the country expects a bumper harvest of 2.1 million tons, four times more than the 2016 harvest. According to Reuters, government announced the ban to “protect local farmers after producing enough to meet domestic demand”. The…
Opposition leaders have urged government to intervene in maize marketing. They say leaving it to free market forces will harm smallholder farmers. The crop marketing season opened on June 1, but there has been no word from government on the floor price the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) will pay for…
Zambian poultry farmers are delighted that the bumper maize harvest, coupled with increased soya bean production, will mitigate the cost of stock feed. Poultry Association of Zambia (PAZ) president Dominic Chanda said the anticipated drop in stock feed will spur further investment in the sector. “Maize and soya beans are…
The biggest maize harvest in South African history is expected for 2017, but regional market options are limited due to GM restrictions and enhanced maize production in the region. The National Crops Estimate Committee (CEC) expects the commercial maize harvest to be 15 631 million tons, 7.54% more than the…
Jannie de Villiers, chief executive officer of Grain SA, said the maize price in South Africa will most likely worsen before it shows improvement. “It would require something dramatic like bad weather forecasts, a stronger rand or limitations on the finances of farmers to give it a boost.” He said – according…
The National Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) again raised 2017’s expected maize harvest for South African farmers in its third crop estimate. According to the estimate, a maize harvest of 14.5 million tons is expected for summer grain producing areas. The crop estimate is 87% bigger than the 2016 maize harvest.…
Panic struck among farmers this week when rain hit large parts of Zambia. The Meteorological Department, however cautioned against harvesting as this would damage the maize crop. “Farmers must not rush to harvest and heap their maize in fields because of the rain we experienced, as this will result in…
A young macadamia farmer in the Sabie River Valley in Mpumalanga, South Africa is proving that anyone can become a farmer, even if he hasn’t inherited land and doesn’t know a thing about farming. This ex-golfer’s secret to success is a willingness to learn, a passion for farming and good…
An international organisation which provides early warning and analysis on food insecurity, says Zambia’s maize harvest prospects for this season looks good, despite pest infestation and delays in input delivery. “Given the good seasonal rainfall, crop conditions are good, and household level food stocks will significantly improve,” reads the latest…
South African grain store facilities will have to prepare for a busy year after the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) set the commercial maize harvest on 14.324 million tons – an increase of 84% from last year. According to Agbiz agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo, the harvest will be the second highest…
Deon Both, a mechanical engineer from Patensie in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, has built a useful implement that can harvest cabbages 50% faster than if it is done manually. Based on an American design, the implement has been adapted for South African conditions. We got an exclusive preview…
The possibility of an oversupply of maize, as well as deflated prices, are looming just three months before the 2017 harvest starts. This prompted the Millers Association of Zambia (MAZ) to make a desperate plea to government to allow it to export a surplus of 23 000 tons of maize…
Chillies are a very versatile vegetable which adds flavour to many dishes. It has several health benefits and can e.g. help relieve problems with blood pressure. Chilies also contain several antioxidants and capsaicin. Chillies are very easy to grow. When harvest time is over, you can dry it to enjoy…
Independent tobacco farmers in Eastern Province are predicting a bumper harvest of 400 000 tons of flue-cured tobacco. Eastern Fodya Association of Zambia (EFAZ) president Franklyn Mwale says enough rain in the province this year contributed to good harvests, in comparison with last year. “The province is expected to produce…
