LUSAKA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Zambia recorded an increase in maize production in 2020 compared to 2019, figures released by the country's agriculture ministry showed on Wednesday.

The 2019/2020 crop forecasting survey revealed that the country has produced some 3,387,469 tons of maize in 2020, an increase from 2,004,389 tons last year, representing a 69 percent increase.

Minister of Agriculture Michael Katambo, who released the figures at a press briefing, said the increased production has made the country food secure.

The Zambian minister attributed the good harvest to a favourable weather condition, the early delivery of farming inputs and a renewed confidence in the growing of maize.

The smallholder farmers have contributed up to 93 percent of the total maize production with large scale farmers contributing seven percent, he said.

With a projected population of over 17 million people, the total maize required for both industrial and human consumption is about 3,356,617 tons, he added. Enditem

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