The Zambia Seed Trade Association (ZASTA) recently played a pivotal role by participating and contributing to the recently held “Agriculture Road Map Validation Lab,” a pivotal session supporting the Grow Zambia agenda.
The event focused on strategic plans to achieve national agricultural production targets by 2031: 10 million metric tonnes of maize, 3 million metric tonnes of soybeans, and 1 million metric tonnes of wheat.
ZASTA President, Patrick Nyumbu, expressed the association’s appreciation for the invitation from the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), highlighting the importance of stakeholder collaboration in advancing Zambia’s agricultural goals.
“We are delighted to have contributed our perspectives at the Agriculture Road Map Validation Lab. This engagement offered an invaluable platform for sharing actionable recommendations and strategies to help realize the ambitious production targets set under the Grow Zambia agenda,” Nyumbu stated.
The event brought together key players in the agricultural sector to discuss practical approaches for accelerating progress and ensuring sustainable growth within Zambia’s seed and crop production industries.
Nyumbu said ZASTA firmly believe that these production goals are not merely aspirational figures, but deliberate and achievable national targets backed by a clear vision and commitment to agricultural transformation.
“As the seed sector, we are working intentionally and tirelessly to ensure that farmers have access to high-quality seed, improved varieties, and modern technologies that will drive productivity and make these targets a reality,” he said.
The Association also commend the President Hakainde Hichilema, for his intentional leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming Zambia’s agricultural sector adding that his vision has provided clear direction and renewed confidence across the agricultural value chain, inspiring stakeholders to work collectively towards enhanced food security, economic growth, and sustainable agricultural development.
Nyumbu said through continued collaboration between government, the private sector, research institutions, and farmers, ZASTA is confident that the goals of 10 million metric tonnes of maize, 3 million metric tonnes of soybeans, and 1 million metric tonnes of wheat by 2031 can be achieved.
“We further commend the Presidential Delivery Unit for bringing together key stakeholders to validate the roadmap, align priorities, and strengthen the collective effort required to deliver on this national vision,” he said.
