Currently, Zambia has been experiencing dry spells in most parts of the country since the on-set of the rains and this has raised a lot of concerns and worry among farmers and the general public. ZAMBIA is ready to contain the looming food shortage in the country due to poor rainfall experienced this season, Agriculture and Livestock minister Given Lubinda has said.
Speaking in an interview with the Lusaka Star, Mr. Lubinda said government had enough stocks to feed the country.
“The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has enough food stock to last the country up to June this year and I can assure you that the reserves will be enough for the whole nation,” he said.
Mr. Lubinda further claimed the country had enough maize stock that could even be exported to neighboring countries.
This comes days after the Livingstone District Cooperative Union chairperson Rwinnick Mapanza, expressed worry over the dry spells being experienced in most part of the country, with Southern Province the most hit.
Mr. Mapanza observed that this year’s farming season will be the worst compared to last year due to poor rainfall patterns.
He noted that some of the crops that were planted in the current farming season had already started drying up while some have even stopped growing due high temperatures.
Mr. Mapanza advised farmers who might still want to plant early maturing to take their chances, but said “it is still not safe as the crops might not reach maturity before the rain season comes to an end.”
“Am urging the farmers across the country not to relax but diversify and try to plant other crops such as sorghum since the period for planting maize ended last year,” he said.
Currently, Zambia has been experiencing dry spells in most parts of the country since the on-set of the rains and this has raised a lot of concerns and worry among farmers and the general public.
Government ready to contain looming food shortage – Hon.Lubinda
