ZAMBIA has secured its food supply with a significant maize surplus following a record-breaking harvest in the 2024/2025 farming season, Minister of Agriculture Reuben M’tolo announced yesterday in Parliament.
M’tolo declared that Zambia currently possessed sufficient maize stocks to cater for human consumption and industrial needs.
The country now holds over 4 million metric tonnes of maize, comfortably exceeding the national requirement.
M’tolo confirmed that Zambia’s total maize stock, including a carry-over of 385,000 metric tonnes from the previous season and a new harvest of 3.6 million metric tonnes, stands at 4 million metric tonnes.
This impressive figure far surpasses the national demand for human consumption, industrial use, and other commitments, which is estimated at 3.5 million metric tonnes.
According to the minister, the surplus of 501,602 metric tonnes underscores Zambia’s strong position in food security for the foreseeable future.
“With the carry-over stock of 385,000 metric tonnes of maize from the previous season, we have a total maize stock of over 4 million metric tonnes, ensuring ample supply for domestic use and industrial purposes,” M’tolo stated during his ministerial statement, as he provided an update on the agricultural season’s crop yield and the nation’s food balance sheet.
M’tolo also stressed the vital role of the private sector in maize marketing and encouraged businesses to continue their contributions to the agricultural industry.
Looking ahead, the minister urged farmers to diversify their crop production beyond maize, adopting a more business-oriented approach.
He indicated the Ministry’s commitment to promoting drought-tolerant crops such as sorghum, millet, and sunflower in drought-prone regions.
Additionally, Phiri advised farmers to form cooperatives to strengthen their negotiation power and secure fair prices for their produce.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba June 11, 2025
