Agriculture at a Turning Point

Government and stakeholders at Agritech Expo 2026 intensify push for technology, productivity, and commercial farming transformation, calling for urgent adoption of modern tools and systems to boost yields and strengthen national food security.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Chishimba, Zambia24 — (17-4-2026) -- The 2026 Agritech Expo has officially opened at the Gold Valley Agricultural Research Trust (GART) in Chishimba, bringing together government leaders, farmers, researchers, and private sector players at a time when Zambia’s agricultural sector is under pressure to modernise and significantly raise productivity levels.

Government and stakeholders have intensified calls for a shift toward technology-driven, commercially oriented farming, stressing that agriculture is now at a critical turning point that demands urgent adoption of modern tools, systems, and innovation to boost yields and strengthen national food security.

The Zambian government has renewed its call for increased productivity and wider adoption of modern agricultural technology, emphasising that farmers must move beyond subsistence farming and fully embrace commercial production that contributes to economic growth.

Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Reuben Mtolo Phiri, representing President Hakainde Hichilema, said farmers must adopt innovation and modern farming methods if the sector is to achieve meaningful transformation.

Mr. Mtolo said agricultural growth depends on improved efficiency, higher yields, and stronger value chains that ensure farming translates into real economic returns for citizens.

“We have to wake up and work very hard. Agriculture must translate into real economic gains for our people,” he said.

He expressed concern over low livestock numbers, noting that Zambia’s cattle and poultry population remains insufficient relative to national demand, and urged farmers to scale up production.

The Minister also pointed to persistently low yields per hectare compared to global benchmarks, calling for increased adoption of irrigation, precision agriculture, and improved seed varieties.

He further emphasised the need for stronger data systems and digital platforms to improve decision-making and efficiency across agricultural value chains.

While agriculture remains the largest employer in Zambia, Mr. Mtolo noted that its contribution to GDP is still low, urging deliberate efforts to increase its economic impact.

He cited countries such as Vietnam as examples of how agricultural transformation can drive national development, encouraging stakeholders to learn from such models.

On market access, the Minister said government has opened export opportunities for agricultural products, allowing broader participation by farmers, traders, and processors, while maintaining safeguards for national food security.

He also confirmed ongoing engagement with fertilizer manufacturers to ensure adequate supply amid global price volatility, alongside continued weather updates to support farmers’ planning.

On tobacco production, he said government has decentralised marketing through auction floors closer to farming communities to reduce costs and improve accessibility.

Delivering the President’s message, Mr. Mtolo said the Head of State remains committed to transforming agriculture despite climate challenges such as droughts and erratic rainfall.

He noted that the 2024 drought was among the most severe in Zambia’s history, but praised farmers for their resilience, which contributed to a record maize harvest of about 4 million metric tonnes.

“This achievement is clear evidence that the reforms we are implementing in the agriculture sector are yielding results,” the President said.

President Hichilema reaffirmed government’s commitment to expanding irrigation, mechanisation, and support for small-scale farmers, while promoting value addition to increase profitability.

He said Zambia must transition to year-round farming supported by irrigation and reliable energy, noting that more than 125 mechanisation centres have been established nationwide.

The President also highlighted policy reforms allowing maize exports, saying farmers must benefit directly from production while positioning Zambia as a regional food supplier.

On energy, he said government is diversifying power sources and encouraging private sector participation to ensure reliable electricity for agriculture and agro-processing.

He concluded by reaffirming government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment, innovation, and growth in agriculture.

Speaking during the Farmers’ Expo, ZNFU President Zvikomborero Mahombe called for sustained policy consistency and increased investment in agriculture following a record maize harvest of about 3.8 million metric tonnes in the 2024/2025 season.

He said the bumper harvest demonstrates farmers’ capacity to meet national production targets when supported with timely inputs and effective government interventions.

“Farmers respond when systems work. Timely inputs made a real difference this season,” he said.

Mahombe commended the input distribution programme, noting that despite logistical challenges, it significantly improved productivity.

He said Zambia has the potential to reach 10 million metric tonnes of maize by 2030, but warned that this requires stable policies, stronger extension services, and improved infrastructure.

He also raised concern over delayed payments to farmers and administrative bottlenecks affecting productivity.

Mahombe welcomed the lifting of maize and mealie meal export restrictions, saying it will expand market opportunities and strengthen private sector participation.

However, he cautioned that rising input costs and climate variability linked to El Niño could threaten the next farming season.

He called for stronger collaboration between government and stakeholders to promote climate-smart agriculture and protect production gains.

Farmers Expo Board Chairperson, Lighton Zulu, said the Expo has evolved into a leading platform for agricultural innovation and partnership-building in Zambia.

He said it has grown from a modest gathering into a major national and regional hub connecting farmers, researchers, input suppliers, financiers, and agribusiness actors.

Zulu noted that the Expo continues to prioritise climate-smart agriculture and technologies suited to both small- and medium-scale farmers.

He highlighted innovations including precision agriculture tools, irrigation systems, labour-saving technologies, improved seed varieties, soil management practices, and digital platforms for market access and financial services.

He stressed that agriculture remains Zambia’s largest employer and a key driver of food security, nutrition, and export growth.

Zulu underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in scaling agricultural technologies and strengthening value chains.

He urged technology providers to develop affordable and locally relevant solutions, while calling on policymakers to improve rural infrastructure and incentives for investment.

He also encouraged farmers to adopt and test new technologies showcased at the Expo, and called on investors and development partners to support training, demonstrations, and access to finance.

Central Province Minister Mwabashike Nkulukusa said the Expo demonstrates the importance of technology-driven agriculture in achieving Zambia’s food production targets.

He said increasing output cannot rely on expanding farmland alone, but must focus on improving productivity through modern practices.

“What is great about this event is that it promotes the use of technology to enhance productivity,” he said.

He noted that Central Province, with about 90 percent arable land, plays a key role in national food production, currently contributing about 768,000 metric tonnes with potential to reach 1.5 million metric tonnes.

The Minister said Zambia’s target of 10 million metric tonnes of maize by 2030 requires higher yields per hectare, especially among small-scale farmers.

He urged adoption of mechanisation, improved farming methods, and multiple cropping seasons.

He encouraged farmers to raise yields to at least 5–6 metric tonnes per hectare.

“We must focus on productivity, not just expansion,” he said.

Agritech Expo Event Manager Chimwemwe Nyirenda said the 2026 edition marks the first managed by the appointed organising company with 18 years of experience in event management.

He said the Expo remains a key platform connecting farmers, exhibitors, and stakeholders across the agricultural sector.

Nyirenda acknowledged challenges in preparations but said the event was delivered through strong stakeholder commitment.

“We make no excuses for what may not have been achieved in this edition, but we assure stakeholders the event will grow stronger each year,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to partners, sponsors, exhibitors, and stakeholders for their support.

At the Gold Valley Agricultural Research Trust (GART), Pro. Thomson Kalinda said agricultural transformation driven by technology is central to Vision 2030 and Zambia’s regional and international trade ambitions.

He said the Eighth National Development Plan prioritises sustainable agriculture to improve food security and livelihoods.

He cited government targets including 10 million metric tonnes of maize, increased agricultural output, and US$1 billion in beef exports.

He stressed that achieving these goals requires strong knowledge transfer, technology adoption, and skills development.

“Platforms like this are not just exhibitions—they are classrooms for transformation,” he said.

He encouraged farmers to fully utilise demonstrations and training sessions to improve productivity and incomes.