The Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry has initiated a joint inspection of farming inputs under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) to prepare for the 2025/2026 farming season. The exercise aims to ensure that inputs meet regulatory and quality standards before reaching farmers.
Acting Permanent Secretary in-charge of Trade and Commerce, Angelina Chanda Mukuka, stressed the importance of compliance with agricultural regulations. She highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to protecting consumers, promoting fair trade, and maintaining high-quality standards across the sector.
The inspection team comprises officers from the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA), Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA), Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI), and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). Their joint efforts focus on verifying that fertilizers and other farming inputs are authentic, safe, and meet the correct specifications.
ZMA Executive Director, Humphrey Nkobeni, said the initiative reflects government’s dedication to ensuring that all farming inputs are reliable, safe for use, and of the right quality and quantity. He added that proper regulation of inputs is critical to supporting agricultural productivity and food security.
In related developments, Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) Chief Executive Officer, Chanda Mongo, announced plans to commission new blending and granulating plants. The facilities will have a combined annual production capacity of 432,000 metric tonnes, aimed at meeting growing demand from farmers.
ZCSA Executive Director, Gerald Chizinga, urged farmers and consumers to purchase fertilizer and other inputs from recognized and reputable outlets. He emphasized that sourcing inputs from approved suppliers ensures good crop yields and protects farmers from substandard products.
The joint inspection and expansion of fertilizer production signal the government’s proactive approach to strengthening the agricultural sector, supporting farmers, and securing Zambia’s food systems ahead of the new farming season.