Hichilema launches the Tennor and Amatheon Farm for Agric Expansion

On 23 July, President Hichilema officially launched the Tennor and Amatheon Farm for Agric Expansion in Mwambwa District in Central Province.

The farm is a commercial private enterprise, operated by Amatheon Agri, a German private firm which has invested over $100 million since 2013. It has announced that a further $50 million will be invested into agricultural production in Zambia over the next 18 to 24 months.

During a tour of Tennor and Amatheon Farm, Hichilema implored the company to introduce grower schemes in an effort to empower local, small-scale farmers.

Hichilema said, “We encourage commercial farmers to consider sharing their knowledge, skills and machinery with neighbouring small-scale farmers. This collaborative approach will not only enhance productivity but also foster a sense of community.”

Tennor and Amatheon farm can produce 11 tonnes of maize per hectare, in contrast to local farmers who on average produce less than 3 tonnes per hectare.

The founder of Amatheon Agri, Laz Windhorst elaborated on his company’s decision to continue their investment into the Zambian agricultural sector: “As a businessman and I

look at things from the perspective of a businessman, prosperity, wealth, food, salaries, everything is based on economic activity.”

Finally, Hichilema advised the Food Reserve Agency to pay farmers on time for maize before it gets distributed. He said, “We can do better. I do get feedback. I sat with the chiefs; they gave me feedback in there. And I have suggested that after today, we checklist the challenges that we are faced with, and resolve them.”

Ensuring that farmers get paid on time strengthens the process of putting money back into the Zambian economy before paying for imports of maize.