The 20000 hectares farm, launched in Mangombo, 100 km from the provincial capital Lubumbashi, will see 75000 tonnes of maize harvested before the end of 2020; says Governor Jacque Kyabula Katwe. This will then lead to the harvesting of 250000 tonnes of maize every year and boost food security.
Last year Governor Kyabula made local production of maize one of his main priority after the price of maize meal skyrocketed by almost 400%.
The province of Haut-Katanga, especially the city of Lubumbashi, is heavily dependant on imported maize from neighbouring Zambia; however due to prolonged dry weather season and poor harvest, Zambia's own market had hit a shortfall and there was not enough maize to export.
The situation saw the price of 25kg bag of maize meal in Lubumbashi, climb from 18000fc to 100000fc.
One of the measures that was taken was to assist local farmers improve local production.
During the launch the Governor also reiterated his goal of seeing the province becoming less dependant on imports from Zambia and South Africa
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