AGRICULTURE Minister Mtolo Phiri has disclosed that the country has recorded a total net deficit of 2,137,183 metric tonnes of maize equivalent. Presenting a ministerial statement in the National Assembly on the crop forecast survey for the 2023/4 farming season, Tuesday, Mtolo stated that the severe drought had negatively impacted crop production for the period under review. “The 2023/2024 agricultural season has been affected by a severe drought which has significantly impacted crop production. The El Niño weather phenomenon has reduced rainfall in many parts of southern Africa including Zambia affecting provinces such as Southern, Western, Eastern, Central, Lusaka, Copperbelt, and Northwestern. Regarding projected production figures, I would like to highlight the following key statistics: maize for grain production is...