The Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) has stated that the country will only have a clear picture of its crop production outlook by March 2025. According to ZNFU President Jervis Zimba, the farming community remains cautious due to unpredictable rain patterns that have affected different regions.
In an interview on Tuesday, Zimba highlighted that while the country could expect a stable production season, it largely depends on whether February receives sufficient rainfall. “We are still cautious about the rain pattern because, in some areas, the rains started late. In some areas, there were some replants. With the weather pattern, the climate change issues are real, and we can only be able to look at how the crops will fare somewhere around March,” he said.
Zimba explained that February would be a crucial month for determining crop performance and overall yield potential. The delay in rainfall in some regions and the necessity for replanting in others have raised concerns among farmers about possible reductions in output.
Despite the challenges posed by climate change, Zimba expressed optimism that, should rainfall patterns stabilize, Zambia could still achieve a reasonable harvest. He urged farmers to remain vigilant and continue employing best agricultural practices to mitigate any adverse effects caused by erratic weather.
ZNFU continues to monitor the situation and remains engaged with relevant stakeholders to ensure that farmers receive the necessary support and guidance to navigate the uncertainties of the current farming season. The final projection for crop production is expected to be more definitive in March, once the impact of the rainy season is fully assessed.