Eastern Province Minister Peter Phiri has commended the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) Msekera Station for developing climate resilient varieties of crops that can withstand extreme temperatures, drought and other climate related effects.

Mr Phiri says the new varieties developed by ZARI will also increase yields and reduce the need for pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

ZANIS reports that the minister, said this in a speech read for him by Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPS) Lewis Mwape during the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) Farmer’s Field Day held at Msekera Research Station in Chipata.

The Minister explained that there is need to enhance climate smart agricultural technologies as the province was grappling with drought that has dried up most crop fields.

Mr Phiri encouraged farmers to consider planting winter maize to address the current drought and mitigate the effects of climate change.

“Am aware that the drought we have experienced during the 2023/2024 farming season has been disheartening to our farmers. I urge those with means to irrigate to consider planting winter maize,” he said.

And speaking at the same function ZARI legume breeder Lutangu Makweti said the institution has developed a new variety of groundnuts that was drought tolerant.

Mr Makweti said the MJV9 variety is resistant to pests and diseases and also able to give normal yield during the prolonged dry spell.

Meanwhile, Chipata District Farmers Union Coordinator has praised ZARI for promoting enhanced access to improved seed that will help small scale farmers in the province increase their yield.

Mr Malambo has appealed to ZARI to release the new variety of groundnuts that was responding to climate change.