By MILLENNIUM REPORTER
FORMER Minister of Southern Province, Edify Hamukale has expressed doubt over the country’s ability to achieve its target of producing 10 million metric tons of maize next year.
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Government expects to meet a target of 10 million metric tons in the 2024 maize harvesting season.
Dr Hamukale has described the target as ambitious.
The former minister said the country might be able to reach the target in 2025 if concerted efforts are put in place in managing the Farmer Input Support Programme and the agriculture credit facility.
Dr Hamukale has cited poor rains as the main reason behind his scepticism and has highlighted concerns about the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity in the country.
Dr Hamukale emphasised the need for proactive measures to mitigate the effects of unpredictable weather patterns and called for increased investment in irrigation system.
And Milenge Member of Parliament Chonde Nsaka said the 10 million metric tons can only be achieved if the inputs are made flexible by addressing the high price and also responding to the advice of the Meteorological department on weather patterns.
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