Community Based Inclusive Seed Multiplication Program
Kanakantapa small scale farmers were happy to see the fruit of their labour 90 days after they were trained by Schweizer Agriculture and the Department of Resettlement. About 4, 000 farmers in target regions will be contracted for seed production by Schweizer Agriculture between 2024 to 2028 to support the small scale farmers to adopt good seed, increase the appreciation of good quality, create livilihoods and food security. The outcome of the total seed output from the 2 Lima demo field will be shared by the entire 30 small scale farmers who participated into the seed training program as a starter kit for them to begin the seed business with Schweizer Agriculture being their guaranteed partner. We want to thank God and the govt of Zambia for its technical support. 5th April, 2024 Kanakantapa Resettlement Scheme. Chongwe Lusaka.
Technical Support & Assistance
Mr. Adrian Chibanga of Seedco speaking to farmers in Kanakantapa Resettlement Scheme at a farmers’ field day held on the 5th May, 2024 through the technical support of the Department of Resettlement (DOR) under the Office of the Vice President (OVP) on how to adapt climate resilience seed, mitigate against environmental stressors and economic shocks caused by climate change. Schweizer-Seedco are recommending winter variety seeds (SC303, SC419 & SC555) that will be accessible to farmers through input financing Schweizer Agriculture has put together as a means to overcome and create a quick win win for farmers who have lost their crops from the 2023/4 drought. The two firms will assist farmers with innovation of lowering the inputs through regenerative agriculture, minimum tillage and soil conservation. These efforts will be coupled with irrigation techniques to overcome frost that is a problem in many parts of Zambia during winter. Farmers were advised on seed adaptation
Large Volumes of South African Oranges Expected in Europe in W39/40, Prices to Drop
Fresh Orange Netherlands Market Situation. South Africa Price Trend Sep 19, 2022 The new cold treatment protocols imposed by the EU on orange imports from South Africa have kept the Netherlands market somewhat short in 2022. This has allowed prices to remain stable, with only slight variations, but generally above the average prices observed in recent years. However, this is expected to change in about two weeks according to importers and exporters of South African products based in the Netherlands. Although the price in W37 remains around USD 17.00-18.00/15kg box (1.13-1.2/kg), the price is expected to drop to USD 1.00/kg from W39 to 40. This is because the South African campaign is nearing its end, and many exporters want to reach Europe before the duty free period comes to an end on 14 October. To this end, approximately 3 million boxes left South Africa for Europe during W36. During W37 and W38, one big and final shipment is planned, with approximately 3 million additional boxes. Based on these increased volumes, the market is expected to trend downward, but remain above USD 1.00/kg. Most South African exporters shipped to Europe based on returns above USD 12.00/15kg box CIF. It is estimated that this volume should be absorbed without major problems by the European market before the start of the Spanish season. To start an orchard program linked to energy to water to food anexus on aquaculture, agro forestry and agribusiness contact the Prime The PumpTM team through the following link below: Prime the PumpTM Link
Consultantion meeting with the local area chief Shaibila of the Lamba people in Mkushi DistrictConsultantion meeting with the local area chief Shaibila of the Lamba people in Mkushi District
Consultantion meeting with the local area chief Shaibila of the Lamba people in Mkushi district by the Executive Director of Schweizer, Chairman for Oasis Asset and Fund Managers and countey representative of Afap on the establishment of a proposed Mkushi River Dam Project 2020. About 4, 800 small scale farmers will be linked to the dam by owning a 360 cubic meter reservoir through dug canals to provide water for cropping of various crops such as fish, irish potatoes, groundnuts, soybean and hybrid seed maize and forestry related plants. The soybeans will be sold to a local market at Agri Options based in Mkushi farm to further process it into crude oil for refined cooking oil, proteins for livestock and human consumption. This will provide area and local needed jobs for the women and the youth. The proposed Dam will be established and constructed by a combination of equity, debt and grants being sourced through Afcap, Schweizer Agri and Seed Foundation. Prior to that a consortium groups have come together.