By Vanwick Zulu
MAZABUKA – Farmers in Mazabuka District have been urged to buy genuine and certified seed from authorised agro-dealers to improve productivity, strengthen household food security and increase resilience to climate-related challenges.
Mazabuka District Commissioner Oliver Mulomba said access to quality seed was critical to achieving the country’s agricultural production targets and transforming the sector into a productive and competitive industry.
Mr Mulomba was speaking in Mazabuka during the launch of Bayer Zambia’s nationwide consumer promotion.
He said agriculture remained a critical pillar of Zambia’s economy, providing livelihoods, employment and contributing to national food and nutrition security.
Mr Mulomba said Government had placed agricultural transformation high on the national development agenda and had set ambitious production targets for 2031, including 10 million metric tonnes of maize, three million metric tonnes of soya beans, one million metric tonnes of wheat and one million metric tonnes of other strategic crops.
“These targets go beyond production figures. They present our ambition to transform agriculture from predominantly subsistence production into a productive, commercial, competitive and climate-resilient sector that creates wealth and improves livelihoods,” he said.
He said achieving the targets would require strong collaboration between Government, farmers, the private sector and other players across the agricultural value chain.
Mr Mulomba said improved and high-performing seed was fundamental to increasing productivity and yields, adding that Government welcomed private-sector partnerships aimed at improving farmers’ access to quality seed, technology and agricultural knowledge.
He commended Bayer Zambia for its continued investment in the agricultural sector, particularly its investment in the Itaba Seed Processing Plant.
“This investment is helping to strengthen local seed processing capacity, creating employment and supporting the development of agricultural value chains,” Mr Mulomba said.
As farmers prepare for the 2026/2027 farming season, Mr Mulomba urged them to plan early and make informed decisions, particularly when purchasing seed.
He advised farmers to buy genuine and certified seed only from authorised agro-dealers and make use of available seed authentication mechanisms.
Mr Mulomba warned that the use of counterfeit or uncertified seed could result in poor germination, weak crop establishment, low yields and significant financial losses.
He also cautioned agro-dealers against stocking counterfeit seed, warning that those found selling fake seed would face the law.
Meanwhile, Mazabuka District Agricultural Coordinator Sepiso Mungandi said the district was committed to contributing towards the country’s agricultural production targets under the Grow Zambia campaign launched by President Hakainde Hichilema.
Ms Mungandi said the district would not only focus on maize production but would also contribute to the targets for soya beans, wheat and other strategic crops.
She, however, urged farmers to change their approach to farming in view of the anticipated climatic conditions during the coming season.
“As we launch into this season, we cannot continue to do business as usual because we understand that there is a forecasted El Niño, which makes us aware that we need to be more prepared and undertake our agricultural activities in a more adaptable manner,” she said.
Ms Mungandi encouraged farmers to consider early-maturing and drought-tolerant varieties, particularly amid forecasts of a potentially late onset and early cessation of rains.
She also called on agro-dealers to provide farmers with appropriate advice when selling agricultural inputs.
“We are encouraging our agro-dealers to ensure that, even as you sell your inputs to the farmers, you also advise them on what is recommended during this season,” she said.
Ms Mungandi further urged farmers to diversify their crops as a way of spreading production risks.
She said farmers should avoid relying solely on maize and instead grow other crops that could provide an alternative source of income and food should maize production be affected by adverse weather conditions.
“Let’s ensure that we diversify our crops. Let’s not just rely on one crop so that we are able to spread our risk. In case the maize does not perform well, you have something else to fall back on. That is very important because farming is a business,” she said.
Ms Mungandi also urged farmers currently selling their maize to retain sufficient stocks for household consumption.
She said the district had recorded a bumper harvest and encouraged farmers to avoid selling all their produce without first securing adequate food reserves for their households.
“Let’s ensure that we leave enough stock for household food security. We just had a bumper harvest and most of our farmers have enough stock right now. Let’s not sell off everything. Let’s remember that we do have household food security to look into,” she said.
Bayer Zambia launched the DEKALB Scratch & Win Promotion in Mazabuka district on 21st September 2026, a nationwide initiative designed to empower farmers through access to authentic, high-quality seed, while strengthening awareness around product verification and responsible purchasing.
ENDS/VZ/NAIS
Mazabuka District Commissioner Oliver C. Mulomba during the launch of Bayer Zambia Nationwide Consumer Protection
Mazabuka District Agricultural Coordinator Sepiso Mungandi during the launch of Bayer Zambia Nationwide Consumer Protection
