Zambeef Products PLC (“Zambeef”) last week welcomed the Minister of Finance & National Planning, Hon Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP, and the Minister of Agriculture, Hon Reuben Mtolo Phiri, MP, at its Mpongwe Farm on the Copperbelt. The visit was aimed to showcase the Zambeef Group’s significant investments and commitment to supporting the food security agenda of Zambia.
In response to food security demands amidst climate change challenges, Zambeef is diversifying its maize cultivation cycle. Zambeef has embarked on growing winter maize on a trial basis at Mpongwe with over 130 hectares of land planted and progressing with about 700 hectares of land, planted with winter maize, at Chiawa farm. This comes on the back of successfully growing over 40,000 tons of early maize which is currently being harvested.
The winter and early maize will supplement the rain-fed maize harvest. Despite climate change challenges, the company remains committed to leverage the opportunities and aims to achieve a consistent supply of maize throughout the year, thus aligning with government’s priority to increase agricultural yields and enhance food security.
Zambeef CEO, Ms Faith Mukutu was on hand to welcome the Ministers and expressed gratitude to them for taking time on a weekend to visit and appreciate the massive capacity expansion projects taking place at Mpongwe.
She explained, “We are extremely delighted and commend the Ministers of Finance and Agriculture for taking time to visit the Zambeef Mpongwe farm. As Zambeef we remain committed to supporting Government’s efforts of promoting food security. As a growing local company our vision is to not only feed Zambia but also the region.”
The Minister of Agriculture was full of praise and commended Zambeef for its boldness in exploring winter maize cultivation at the Mpongwe farm in addition to a successful 2024 early maize crop. He encouraged other farmers, both large and small, to emulate Zambeef.
Similarly, the Minister of Finance and National Planning applauded Zambeef’s efforts, emphasising the need for increased production to drive economic growth. “If we had 20 to 30 farming units like Zambeef, the impact on food security will be significant,” outlined the Hon Minister. He encouraged Zambeef to continue working hard and deepening value addition within the Group and beyond. Joining the delegation was Mr. Mwiindwa Siakalima, CEO for Stanbic Bank, who echoed the Ministers’ remarks and commended Zambeef for its contribution to scaling up maize production.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by commodity costs, Zambeef remains committed to maximising production, on the strength of a commercially viable maize price, to meet growing demand and contribute to food security in Zambia and the region.
Zambeef is indeed feeding the Nation responsibly. The company will supply 20,000 metric tonnes of maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) in the forthcoming crop marketing season. The aim is to supplement efforts to address the food security situation in the country following crop failure in most parts of the country.
Issued by: Mwamba Chasaya – Siame
