By NAKUBIANA MUMBUNA –
THE NITROGEN Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) has been shut down for maintenance works and will only resume operations by end of this month.
NCZ marketing and public relations manager Evans Mupeta said the plant had been shut for over a month stating that the maintenance works were expected to be concluded this week.
“We need to change a number of components on the equipment such as conveyer belts and vessels to ensure that we do not have problems along the way.
“This is in readiness for production of D-compound fertiliser for the 2015/16 farming season,” he said.
Mr Mupeta revealed that NCZ was this year expected to produce about 150,000 tonnes of D-compound fertilizer for the 2015/16 farming season. From the 150,000, 20,000 tonnes would be for the local market.
He however, could not state exactly how much would be required for the Farmers Input Support Programme (FSIP) as NCZ had not yet signed a contract with Government.
“I must state that it is quite difficult to really state how much Government will require because we are yet to sign a contract with Government on its requirement for FSIP for the 2015/16 farming season,” he said.
Government had last year tasked NCZ to produce 106, 000 tonnes of D-compound fertiliser for the 2013/14 marketing season.
Agriculture and Livestock Permanent Secretary David Shamulenge has however, said Government would still maintain 106,000 tonnes of D-compound fertiliser requirement for FSIP in the 2015/16 farming season.
“We have already started with the process in fact we have already started with the tendering process but you will be informed in due course. “Dr Shamulenge said.
Dr Shamulenge said the Minister would soon give a comprehensive statement with regards to D- compound fertiliser production.