The 2018/2019 Agricultural Production Estimates (APES) report has shown a decline in wheat and cotton output in the past years, therefore predicting a further drop this year too.

Confirming this was the Minister of Agriculture Irrigation and Water Development, Joseph Mwanamveka said that this year production would decrease by 2.06%.

Mwanamveka said the major contributor to this year’s decline is the heavy rainfalls that resulted into floods. “..especially Mangochi and the lower shire” said the Minister, “this has negatively affected cotton production”.

On the other hand, the Minister had a positive outlook on future production of wheat, stating that irrigation schemes towards the crop are in the works, as wheat is a winter crop