President Hakainde Hichilema has urged farmers to increase productivity by extending working hours, describing the move as critical to achieving Zambia’s targets of producing 10 million tonnes of maize, 1 million tonnes of wheat, and 1 million tonnes of soybean.
He said higher productivity would enhance household food security, generate surplus for urban markets and boost exports to neighbouring countries.
Speaking during the opening of the Seed Co National Field Day, President Hichilema noted that Zambia has the potential to become the region’s food basket if farmers adopt innovative and sustainable practices.
“There is no reason why with the technology available, connectivity, digital platforms, applications and the advancement in education, we should be producing less than 2 tonnes per hectare of maize,” the President said.
He also underscored the importance of structured marketing and off-take systems, adding that the government is working to ensure farmers have access to reliable markets, including export opportunities to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Head of State further announced that tackling crime in the agriculture sector remains a priority, with plans to introduce stricter penalties. “I am pushing legislation to have stiffer punishment for those who sell fake agricultural products, and we will re-classify agriculture and livestock as economic assets. We will also try those who steal or sell fake products under the Economic and Financial Crimes Court.” The government, he added, will also fast-track trials and impose tougher penalties on offenders, while calling on stakeholders to work together to curb crime in the sector.
President Hichilema congratulated Seed Co Zambia on introducing two new crop varieties and reiterated the central role of productivity in national development. “Food production is not only a necessity, but also an economic driver. Without food, there is no stability. Without food, there is no future,” he said.
The Minister of Technology and Science, who is also the acting agriculture minister, Felix Mutati, said the country is witnessing the emergence of a technology-driven agricultural ecosystem, with institutions such as Seed Co evolving into innovation hubs that integrate research, connectivity and digital systems.
“It has created the capabilities for improved productivity and improved efficiency, while ensuring that we deliver seed that is climate resilient but is driven entirely by technology. Agriculture in Zambia is no longer just about growing crops. It is about growing intelligence, growing efficiency, and growing opportunity,” he opined.
Seed Co Board Chairperson Chance Kabaghe said innovation, research and technology remain central to the company’s success, highlighting the development of the SC561 variety, which he said is a clear testament to what is possible when science meets purpose.
According to Seed Co, the SC561 maize hybrid is an early-maturing, climate-smart variety with strong yield potential and resilience to erratic rainfall, while the Canova F1 tomato offers a premium option with uniform fruit size, extended shelf life, and consistent performance.
