Mazabuka District Commissioner, Oliver Mulomba, is impressed with the rate at which the maize under the Wetland programme is germinating in the district. 

ZANIS reports that Mr Mulomba, who toured fields in Mazabuka’s Shimungalu and Siyoowi areas, also expressed happiness at the crop performance. 

“We are happy to see the levels of productivity in these areas, this will improve food security in the district.

“It is the first time the government is supporting winter maize production with inputs and we are happy to realise that very soon this maize will be harvested and the dream would have been met,” he said. 

And Mr Mulomba was happy to note that the district has not recorded outbreaks of diseases or serious pest incidences like army worms which may have a negative impact on the field. 

He further indicated that Mazabuka District identified and trained 2,400 small scale farmers with access to waterfronts who received 1×50 kilograms bag of compound D fertiliser, 1×50 kilograms bag of urea, two dressing fertilisers and 1×10 kilograms bag of maize seed each. 

Meanwhile, Mweemba Mulomba, a beneficiary of Siyoowi Ward hinted that the maize is expected to be ready for consumption before the month-end of November.

“Those who want the maize to dry will have to wait until next month, but we shall start eating it as fresh this month,” he said. 

He further expressed gratitude to the government for the support.