ZCSA AND ZARI TO IMPROVE FERTILISER QUALITY

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Posted by admin on January 23, 2026 at 1:17 AM

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The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) and the Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI) have agreed to strengthen collaboration aimed at ensuring the supply of safe, reliable, and high-quality fertiliser to farmers across the country.

The partnership will enhance information sharing, joint inspections, and exchange of best practices to improve fertiliser quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

It is expected to contribute to government’s target of producing 10 million tonnes of maize by 2031, by ensuring fertiliser meets required standards and supports increased crop productivity.

During a courtesy call in Chilanga, ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga said “We must work closely together to support farmers with reliable farming inputs that improve yields and incomes in line with Government policy objectives.”

He noted that ZCSA intends to leverage ZARI’s laboratory testing capacity to improve efficiency and enable timely regulatory decisions.

A cooperation framework and service level agreement have been proposed to formalise collaboration.

ZARI Director Dr Ndashe Kapulu welcomed the initiative, saying a formal framework would help facilitate trade and support broader government objectives.

“As ZARI, we provide fertiliser testing services and are pleased to support ZCSA’s regulatory enforcement efforts. We are already working closely with ZCSA officers across the country.”

Dr Kapulu highlighted that ZARI oversees the Fertilisers and Feed Act of 1966, which is currently under review to align with modern agricultural practices.

He commended ZCSA officers stationed in provincial centres and border entry points for safeguarding farmers against substandard fertiliser.

ZCSA, under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, is mandated by the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017 to enforce compulsory standards in the interest of public safety, health, consumer protection, and environmental sustainability.