Reported by: The Agency Media
Date: 6th March, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
In a bold step to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure food security, the Zambian government has invested $1.47 million in 32 modern grain dryers through the Food Reserve Agency (FRA). This initiative will significantly benefit small-scale farmers—particularly those cultivating early maize—by improving grain drying efficiency, reducing wastage, and enhancing overall crop quality.
Zambia faces 30-40% post-harvest losses, largely due to inadequate drying and storage facilities. These losses not only threaten the country’s food security but also impact the earnings of small-scale farmers (SSFs), who produce over 80% of Zambia’s maize. In response, President Hakainde Hichilema has directed that Zambia must achieve self-sufficiency in maize production, eliminating the need for imports by targeting 3 million metric tonnes of maize through irrigation farming.
As Zambia’s strategic grain reserve manager, the FRA plays a crucial role in ensuring that national maize stocks remain sufficient and of high quality. The deployment of modern grain dryers will enhance FRA’s capacity to store well-preserved grain, reduce spoilage, and stabilize maize supply throughout the year.
One of the biggest challenges SSFs face is the lack of access to efficient drying technology, forcing them to sell maize at reduced prices due to high moisture content. By introducing advanced drying facilities, the government is empowering farmers to increase their profitability, improve grain quality, and contribute to a more resilient food system.
The early maize sector is a key focus of this initiative. Farmers who produce maize ahead of the traditional harvesting season often struggle with drying, which affects their ability to sell competitively. The new grain dryers will help them maintain premium-quality grain, ensuring better market prices and a steady maize supply throughout the year.
To maximize impact, the 32 grain dryers will be strategically placed in key maize-producing regions and made available for hire through the FRA. The Ministry of Agriculture has developed a structured deployment plan to ensure that:
- All farmers have fair access to the equipment.
- Training is provided on proper dryer operation and maintenance.
- Routine servicing and upkeep are conducted to extend equipment lifespan.
This investment is part of a broader New Dawn Government strategy to modernize agriculture, support small-scale farmers, and secure Zambia’s food supply for future generations. By implementing innovative post-harvest solutions, Zambia is taking firm steps toward self-sufficiency and agricultural sustainability.
DeliveringForThePeople #FoodSecurity #SustainableAgriculture #ImprovingLives
The Agency.