ZCSA, ZARI seek closer ties to support agricultural sector with reliable fertilizer
ZCSA Executive Director, Gerald Chizinga (centre front row), and ZARI Director, Ndashe Kapulu (second left front row)
By Derrick Sinjela
In a 22nd January, 2026 Press Statement, Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) Manager – Communications and Public Relations Brian Hatyoka alluded to ZCSA and Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI) seeking enhanced collaboration supporting the agricultural sector with reliable fertilizer that will improve crop production.
According to Mr. Hatyoka, ZCSA and ZARI agreed to share information and best practices to improve the safety and quality of fertilizer in Zambia.
ZCSA and ZARI intend to play a key role in supporting the achievement of the target of producing 10 million tonnes of maize by 2031 through effective regulation and testing of fertilizer.
ZCSA Executive Director, Gerald Chizinga, and ZARI Director, Ndashe Kapulu, made the remarks in Chilanga during a courtesy call on Dr. Kapulu.
Mr. Chizinga said joint inspections, monitoring and capacity building will ensure that fertilizer on the market meets regulatory requirements.
Chizinga said ZCSA and ZARI need closer work to support farmers with reliable farming inputs that improve yields and incomes in line with Government’s policy objectives.
“As ZCSA, we would like to leverage on ZARI’s testing capacity to continue improving efficiency and effectiveness, for timely decisions,” Chizinga said.
Chizinga said ZCSA has proposed the signing of a cooperation framework and service level agreement to cover matters of mutual interest.
Chizinga said ZCSA is committed to ensuring that farmers are not exposed to non-compliant fertilizer as such commodities could compromise crop yields, soil health, or human safety.
Earlier, Dr. Kapulu said a signed cooperation framework and service level agreement will assist to facilitate trade speedily and ultimately achieve the broader objectives of the Government.
Dr. Kapalu noted the need to strengthen collaboration between ZCSA and ZARI to ensure full compliance with quality and safety standards.
“As ZARI, we offer a testing service for fertilizer. We are happy to support the efforts of ZCSA in enforcing fertilizer regulations. Already, ZARI is working with ZCSA officers across the country,” Dr. Kapalu said.
Dr. Kapulu said ZARI oversees the Fertilizers and Feed Act of 1966, an old piece of legislation, which is currently in the process of being repealed and replaced to make it relevant to current trends in the agriculture sector.
Dr. Kapalu said ZCSA officers in all provincial centres and major border entry points have been very helpful in safeguarding farmers from substandard fertilizer.
ZCSA, a Statutory Body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry (MCTI), is mandated by the Compulsory Standards Act No.3 of 2017 to administer, maintain and ensure compliance with compulsory standards for the purpose of public safety and health, consumer and environmental protection. – ZCSA Communication Unit/ Kwilanzi News Zambia (KNZ).
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