The Zambia National Farmers’ Union-ZNFU says soya beans prices are expected to increase this year due to the high demand for the commodity.
ZNFU Public Relations Manager Calvin Kaleyi expressed delight over the current prices of soya beans on the market noting that soya beans is selling between K12 and K13.50 per kg depending on the area.
Speaking in an interview with the Zambian Business Times-ZBT, Kaleyi said the prices are expected to increase further as the commodity is on high demand not only in Zambia but also in the region.
Kaleyi stressed that the demand for soya beans is currently high and the only thing that would trigger the soya bean commodity prices is if the market is saturated which has not happened.
“When you see good prices coming out like that, it is an encouragement to farmers to even do much more. This must ensure that everyone in the value chain appreciates and that includes those that are in production”, he said.
He however said he could not project the maximum price but said what is expected is a good price, which will allow farmers to make a full cost recovery in the form of input costs, labour, herbicide costs, fertilizers and other chemical costs.
Kaleyi mentioned that the current price for soya beans has improved compared to last year and this is because the commodity is on high demand.
He noted that the union would like to see farmers get good prices for their commodity as well as a good return on their investment as it is the only way of benefiting the agricultural sector adding that good prices encourage farmers to do much more.
