October 26, 2010

Zambia reaps record 2.78-million-tonne corn

Zambia recorded the biggest corn yield in the country's history during the 2010 season with output hitting 2.78 million tonnes due to the government's revised farmer input support programme.

According to President Rupiah Banda, this year's record-breaking harvest is down to the contribution of smallholder farmers, who produce the bulk of Zambia's corn.

Last year, the government revised its farmer input support programme which resulted in timely distribution of inputs, boosting production.

Zambia's biggest ever harvest, produced a "surplus of more than one million tonnes-leading to a reduction in inflation rate to 7.7% in September 2010," the statement said.

Following the record harvest, the president has launched a programme aimed at developing agriculture, infrastructure, health and education investment to make agricultural supplies cheaper and more competitive.

Corn is the staple food of Zambia's 12 million people. Any excess corn will be exported mainly to countries in the South African region.

According to Banda, the 2009-10 harvest has enabled the country to achieve food security. In the past few years, Zambia has endured double digit inflationary pressure blamed mainly on food shortages, forcing miners to demand pay rises.