FRIDAY BRIEF
WEEK 25, 2016
This Week’s Highlights……….
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GOVERNMENT INCREASES MAIZE FLOOR PRICE TO K85 FROM K75
ZABS CONNECTS TO ASYCUDA WORLD
TASKFORCE ON TUTA ABSOLUTA FORMED
..... SEE DETAILED UPDATES BELOW…
INDUSTRY UPDATES
GOVERNMENT INCREASES MAIZE FLOOR PRICE TO K85 FROM K75
Government has increased the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) maize purchase price for a 50 kg bag from K75 earlier
announced by the Minister of Agriculture, Honourable Given Lubinda to K85. The increment was announced by
the Republican President Mr Edgar Lungu on Thursday 16th June 2016.
ZNFU had undertaken a number of meetings with the Minister of Agriculture as well as Secretary to Cabinet at
Cabinet Office in Lusaka to lobby for a cost reflective maize floor price given the fact that farmers experienced
sharp increase in all imported inputs during the 2015/16 farming season due to Kwacha depreciation. The upward
price adjustment is therefore welcome as it will aid the farmers recover some of their input costs.
ZABS CONNECTS TO ASYCUDA WORLD
The National Electronic Single Window (NeSW) connection of the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) to
ASYCUDA World was officially launched by the Deputy Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Raymond
Mpundu, (on behalf of the Minister) on Thursday, 16th June 2016 at Southern Sun Hotel in Lusaka. ZABS becomes
the first government agency to join the single window system. Single Window is one of the trade facilitation tools
that will allow parties involved in trade and transport to lodge standardized information and documents with a
single entry point to fulfil all import, export and transit regulatory requirements. A Zambia Electronic Single
Window system therefore allows a single electronic application to be submitted to all relevant government
authorities for processing and approval. The expected benefits of a fully operational NeSW system include;
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reduced clearance rime; reduced operating costs; improved business performance; improved trade facilitation by
raising work efficiency and transparency; and reduced logistics and processing time.
TASKFORCE ON TUTA ABSOLUTA FORMED
The Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU) today, Friday 17th June 2016, held a Fruits and Vegetables
stakeholders meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss possible ways of containing and controlling the
current Tuta Absoluta outbreak and coming up with a Multi-Stakeholders Strategy to prevent further spread and
new outbreaks of the disease and further form a Taskforce to implement the identified the resolutions. The
meeting was attended by the Ministry of Agriculture (ZARI), tomato growers, Agro-chemical/seed companies,
ZNFU Fruits and Vegetables Commodity Committee representatives among others. The apex of the meeting was
the formation of the Multi-Stakeholder Taskforce that will spearhead the strategy to contain, control and prevent
further outbreak of Tuta. The following are some of the resolutions of the meeting;
 Quantification of the affected tomato farmers: Affected farmers should report through ZNFU for further
escalation to the Ministry of agriculture;
 Reducing cost of tomato production: The task force to engage the Ministry of Agriculture as well as
private chemical suppliers on possible incentives and interventions that will result in reduction in the cost
of controlling Tuta absoluta.
 Create an efficient Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, that includes capacity building
programmes on IPM;
 Push for mass trapping of the pest starting with most affected areas. This will call for increased
importation of traps by the government;
 There is need for awareness creation on the Tuta disease and food safety requirements;
 Encourage bio-friendly as well as means of containing, controlling and prevention for Tuta;
 Come up with a list of chemicals that are available in Zambia for prevention and controlling of Tuta
disease;
 Produce a brochure on Tuta disease that will include information on what Tuta absoluta is, its prevention,
how to contain it and its control among other things and
 Enforce in-country quarantine mechanisms
The above resolutions will serve as a starting point of the work of the Taskforce which is scheduled to have its first
meeting next week on Tuesday 21st of June, 2016. The proposed taskforce will include the Ministry of Agriculture,
the ZNFU Fruits and Vegetables Commodity Committee Chairperson, Individual tomato growers, representation
from Agro-chemical suppliers, the Zambia Environmental Management Agency and Musika with ZNFU being the
secretariat.
NEWS FROM ASSOCIATIONS
PAZ ATTENDS LUSAKA SOUTH MULTI FACILITY CONSULTATIVE FORUM
The Poultry Association of Zambia attended a consultative forum by the Lusaka South Multi Facility Economic
Zone (LS-MFEZ) which took place on the 7th and 8th of June 2016.
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During this meeting it was explained that the LS MFEZ was declared as a multi facility zone on the 28 th June 2010
under statutory instrument No. 47 of 2010 by the Government of Zambia through the Ministry of Commerce,
Trade and Industry. It was established to promote manufacturing, stimulate export activities, technological
development, skills transfer, job and wealth creation.
There are a number of industries allowed in the LSMFEZ, among them being agriculture and agro-based
industries. The industries that are fit to operate in the zone will be able to enjoy zero percent income tax and zero
percent import duty rate on capital goods, machinery and equipment for a period of five years. Non-tax incentives
include: basic infrastructure and utility services, availability of surveyed land, easy access to international barriers,
location of zone in the capital city as well as location of zone near the Kenneth Kaunda international airport.
LSMFEZ also indicated that the number of expressions of interest to invest in LSMFEZ has reached over 40 and a
few applications have so far have been approved by the board with levels of over USD300 million. Further, some
of the approved companies have started construction activities and are expected to commence commercial
production very soon.
The Zone is expected to act as catalyst for industrial development and contribute towards the diversification of
Zambia’s economy away from its copper focus
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ALERTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MEMBERSHIP ALERT!
The ZNFU/ZFEA was visited by inspectors from the Ministry of Labour this week in order to conduct an inventory of
members who are covered by the ZFEA collective agreement with workers’ unions. They believe that there are
farmers using the collective agreement without being members of ZFEA, in which case they should be abiding by the
Minimum Wages & Conditions Act and SI No. 46 (minimum basic wage K700 plus 30% housing allowance, etc).
Farmers who wish to use ZFEA’s collective agreement must be paid-up members of both ZNFU and ZFEA. Being a
member of ZNFU only does not automatically entitle you to use the collective agreement. Members of TAZ are
covered by a ZFEA block membership agreement.
Payment of ZNFU and ZFEA subscriptions for 2016 can be made at ZNFU Head Office or any ZNFU district office, or
bank deposit / transfer. The ZNFU membership rate vary according to your membership category (Contact any
ZNFU Office for details), while The ZFEA rates per annum are:
 Up to 50 workers:
K500.00
 Over 50, less than 100:
K750.00
 100 or more:
K1,000.00
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If paying at ZNFU district offices, you should inform Billy Mudenda (bmudenda@znfu.org.zm ) quoting company
name, receipt number and amount paid. If paying by bank deposit or transfer, please email bmudenda@znfu.org.zm
with deposit slip or transcript.
Bank details are:
Name: Zambia Farm Employers Association
Bank: ZANACO
Branch: Government Business Centre
Branch code: 050
Ac number: 0005756300197
ANNOUNCEMENT
DISCOUNT OFFER ON EMPTY GRAIN BAGS UV TREATED
The Zambia National Farmers’ Union has negotiated for a discount on bulk buying of empty grain bags from
Wonderful Group for members. ZNFU members can now buy a bale of 500 by 50kg bags (brown) at K1,000 or
K1,600 for white bags.
All interested members can contact with ZNFU Head Office.
OPPORTUNITY FOR A FARMING PARTNERSHIP
An emergent farmer based in Mumbwa Big Concession area along Mumbwa/Kasempa road is interested in
partnering with fellow farmers. He has three hundred hectares (300 ha) of land with road frontage suitable for all
agricultural purposes.
For those interested, kindly call 0977 701030 or email: growthpoint@gmail.com
UPCOMING AGRICULTURAL HOLIDAYS
Heroes Day – Monday 4th July
Unity Day – Tuesday 5th July
Farmers Day – First Monday in August
Independence Day 24th October
Christmas Day – 25th December
LIQUID NITROGEN FOR SALE AT BREEDING IMPULS ZAMBIA
"Breeding Impuls Zambia would hereby like to inform you that it now has Liquid Nitrogen available from its
premises in the Agricultural and Commercial Society Zambia grounds. Our address is Fens Investment Building,
Lusaka Show grounds, Cattle section.
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FARMS FOR SALE/LEASE
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Farm for lease: 40 hectares situated about 6KM from Kitwe-Chingola Road about 20km from Kitwe. On the
farm are: a 4-bedroomed house MSC (solar powered), A stream running on the boundary, borehole with a
solar pump. The farm is mostly virgin land. Contact Terrence Mukula on 0968195186 or
terrencemukula@gmail.com
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7 Hectares virgin land for sale in Mwembeshi, about 44km along the Lusaka-Mongu Road and 500m off the
road. The land is opposite Sable Farm. ZESCO line about 500m from the fam. Asking Price K250,000. For
enquiries, contact Maj Kayewa on 0977365911
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Land for long-term lease available in Miengwe, Ndola Rural. One kilometre from the Great North Road on
the road leading to Chief Nkambo’s Palace/Teka Farm. Up to 20 hectares to be leased. Contact Nancy
Mubanga 0966457674/0955457674 or e-mail namubanga@hotmail.com, lombe.mubanga@gmail.com
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1,000 acres Farm in Kapiri/Mkushi on sale or long lease. Four Kilometres from Great North Road, 1KM from
ZESCO grid, 4km from Tazara Railway. Farm on a 99-year Government lease. Farm is bordered by two rivers
on either side. 300 acres cleared. A unique deal offers. Call 0955424201 or e-mail kankonongo@gmail.com

40 hectares Farm located I the Mpima Dairy Scheme in Kabwe for lease. Farm is on a 99-year Government
lease.
It
is
bordered
partly
by
the
Mulungushi
Dam.
For
enquiries,
contact
0955569168/0977786367/0977883442
or
email
indiekayama@gmail.com
or
mirriamkasonde2000@yahoo.co.uk
MAIZE BRAN UP FOR SALE
KASAMA MILLING HAS IN STOCK 10,000 X 25KG BAGS OF MAIZE BRAN SELLING AT K20 PER BAG. THE STOCK IS
IN KASAMA.
FOR DETAILS;
CONTACT MR. KAKUSU SIKAZWE
0977 287057 or 0955 217057 OR EMAIL; kasamamillingltd@gmail.com
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NEWS FROM THE REGIONS
CENTRAL REGION
GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGES SUSTAINABLE USE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Gracing the 50th Mkushi Agricultural and Commercial Show which opened its gates on the 17th June, 2016,
Central Province Provincial Minister Mr. Davis Chisopa has encouraged farmers to incline their farming activities in
line with this year's theme which is " Managing the Environment for Growth". He further assured the farmers of
continued government support in making agriculture the main stay of Zambia’s economy. Meanwhile, Mkushi
show chairperson has assured government of farmers’ commitment to growing the agricultural sector.
Touring the ZNFU stand, the Provincial Minister commended the Union for its continued dedication in rendering
services to the farming community, he was also impressed that the Union partnered very well with government in
piloting the Electronic Voucher System.
CHIBOMBO DFA HOSTS FARMERS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
Chibombo District Farmers Association hosted some farmers from around the globe to share experiences in
farming. They visited one of the Lima beneficiary from Lwamabwe IC, where they saw fields of tomatoes, maize,
Onion and livestock such as goats and cattle. Among the visitors, some came from Chile, Switzerland, Brazil,
Kenya, and Netherland. The aim of the visit was Lima smallholder farmer and discuss on challenges and
opportunities and how to further improve the scheme like Lima Credit Scheme. The host farmers Mr. and Mrs.
Simango emphasized that without the Lima Credit scheme they would not have managed to do all what was seen
at the farm. The couple also mentioned that they have managed to sponsor all three children to tertiary education
as a result of the Lima Credit Scheme. Also on the entourage were representatives from; World food program,
Musika, Zanaco (Rabobank), District Agricultural Coordinators (DACO) and the District Commissioners’ (DC) from
Chisamba and Chibombo districts.
COPPERBELT REGION
MPONGWE FARMERS NOD INTRODUCTION OF WAREHOUSE RECIEPT SYSTEM
Farmers of Mpongwe, Masaiti and Luanshya who attended the warehouse receipt system stakeholders meeting in
Mpongwe early this week have welcomed the introduction of the system and have expressed excitement at the
development saying it is long overdue. Speaking at the event the Chief Executive Officer for the Zambian
Commodity Exchange Mr. Jacob Mwale advised farmers to take advantage of the system which has numerous
advantages. He said the system is currently used by farmers in many countries in the region. He also said that the
farmers can begin to prepare to deposit their grain into the already identified and certified warehouse operators
in the district namely; AFGRI and NWK.
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EASTERN A REGION
MAIZE VENDORS INVADE CHIPATA
Some Malawian maize vendors have invaded some parts of Chipata District buying maize at K12.00 per gallon
(5kgs) which is about K120.00 per 50kg bag. The vendors have targeted areas that are close to the border
between Zambia and Malawi like Chanje, Mkanda, Mshawa and Mafuta chiefdoms. Meanwhile, some farmers
talked to by ZNFU office in Chipata expressed happiness with the price of maize they are getting from private
buyers.
EASTERN B REGION
COMMODITY PRICES EXCITES PETAUKE FARMERS
Petauke DFA Board members have expressed happiness at the current commodity prices prevailing on the market.
The commodity prices for crops like maize, soyabeans and sunflower are increasing almost at a weekly basis.
Currently the maize prices are ranging between K1.90 and K2.00 per 50kg bag while soyabeans prices are ranging
between K4.30 to K4.50 per 50kg bag, a situation that has excited the farmers in the district. Speaking during the
Petauke DFA Executive Committee meeting held on 17th June 2016, Mr. Wilson Phiri the DFA Chairperson said it
was gratifying to see the competition in the pricing of commodities among the grain traders. He however, advised
the farmers to keep enough food for consumption at household level.
NORTH WESTERN REGION
GOVERNMENT INCREASES FISP BENEFICIARIES FOR 2016/2017 SEASON
The government has increased the number of beneficiaries under the Farmer Input Support Program in Kasempa
district for 2016/17 season from 13,000 to 16, 565 beneficiaries on white Maize. Other crops such as groundnuts,
Sunflower and Beans have equally been increase. Meanwhile, the District has started receiving inputs for
upcoming farming season. A check by the ZNFU Facilitator at the storage sheds found that the 639.5 MT of
Compound D fertiliser from the total allocation 1,556.5 MT has been received.
SOUTHERN A REGION
SESHEKE FARMERS URGED TO ADOPT CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE
Farmers in Sesheke district have been urged to adopt Conservation Agriculture (CA) if they are to improve their
crop yields. This came to light when Conservation Farming Unit (CFU) in collaboration with Sesheke DFA
organized a farmer’s training in CA. Speaking during the training, the District Agriculture Coordinator; Mr. Pius
Mambo emphasized on the fact that the climate change the district was experiencing leaves farmers with no
option but to seriously take on CA that commands good farming practices. Owing to low CA adoption levels the
district has recorded, the camp extension officers were also cautioned on the need to be more proactive by
ensuring that farmers were provided with adequate extension services to enhance the adoption process.
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SOUTHERN B REGION
139,500 CATTLE TO BE VACCINATED AGAINST FMD
The first round of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination is underway in Namwala District. The District
Veterinary Officer (DVO) Dr. Showa has confirmed the receipt of 139,500 doses of FMD vaccines targeting 139,500
cattle in the District. The vaccination exercise commenced on 13/06/2016 to 29/06/2016. This is according to the
information released to ZNFU office by Namwala District Veterinary department. The team led by the DVO started
the vaccination exercise in Kaabwe area and will wind up the exercise in Namwala central.
In a similar development Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock’s in Chikankata District will be carrying out a
vaccination exercise against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) targeting about 6,000 animals in Nasenga Agricultural
block. The exercise will commence next week and is expected to run for one week. Farmers have since expressed
thanks to the Government saying the exercise will help curb high mortality rates of animals in their respective
areas.
MUCHINGA REGION
COMACO BUYS FARM COMMODITIES
Community Market for Conservation (COMACO) in Chinsali is busy buying Soya, rice, beans and maize from
farmers and this has excited a lot farmer in Chinsali despite most of the crops grown during 2015/2016 farming
season having performed badly. This was disclosed to ZNFU Muchinga Regional office this week on Monday by
COMACO Chinsali district Coordinator Mr. Evans Hamalira.
MUCHINGA PROVINCE AGRICULTURAL AND TOURISM SHOW PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY
Muchinga province will be having its 4th provincial agricultural and tourism show next week Thursday 23 rd June to
Saturday 25th June, 2016 in Chinsali. The show preparations have reached at an advanced stage, with a visit to the
grounds found many exhibitors busy working on their stands. This year’s show will be held under the theme,
“Managing Environment for Growth” and the guest of honour will be the Permanent Secretary for Muchinga
Province Mr. Bright Nundwe.
LUAPULA REGION
IITA TRAINS NCHELENGE FARMERS IN CASSAVA GROWING
IITA in conjunction with SAPP has trained 40 farmers, which included processers, millers, DFA members and other
stakeholders in cassava growing. The training program also covered and sensitized participants on the roles of the
Zambia National Cassava Association and which has since recruited some members too. The participants were
also informed that the cassava out grower scheme would soon be launched in Nchelenge District. There are also
plans to train 305 farmers who will be trained in cassava growing in the months of September and October. This
innovation platform has since pleased the Ministry of Agriculture staff as well as the farmers.
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WESTERN REGION
TOBACCO PRICE EXCITE FARMERS
Generally, Tobacco farmers seem very impressed with the current prevailing prices of tobacco being offered by JTI
at their Mawilo Complex in Nkeyema district. Mr. Mubita Mubukwanu one of the tobacco farmers in Munkuye
area of Nkeyema was happy to offset his seasonal loan due to the competitive prices at the time of his sales. Mr
Mubukwanu managed to average $4 per kilo from just under a 1,000 kg produced from 1 hectare.
JTI apart from having an out grower scheme for tobacco farmers it has also extended its activities in the provision
of seedlings of several tree species to its farmers in an effort of mitigating the effect of climate change. In
addition, just recently it officially handed over a clinic under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the
Ministry of Health.
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