Chipata District has recorded a reduction of 900,000 metric tonnes of maize production this farming season.

Chipata district has recorded a reduction in maize yield from 3,300,000 metric tonnes in 2012 to 2,400,000 metric tonnes this farming season.
Chipata District Commissioner, Kalunga Zulu has attributed the low crop yield to climatic hazards combined with late planting in some parts of the district.
Mr Zulu says that according to the preliminary crop forecast of 2012 to 2013 season released by the Ministry of Agriculture in the district, some crops have recorded low production while others have increased.
He says crops like groundnuts have increased production from 358,000 metric tonnes last seasons to 870,000 metric tonnes in this year’s season.
The DC says due to low yields in the last farming season it was possible for hunger to loom if farmers in the district sell all their produce.
He further called on farmers not to sell their maize to briefcase businessmen and women, saying they should wait for the market to open when the price for maize is competitive.