One of CGN’s previous grant recipients, Douglas Kachilima, recently shared an update on his commercial maize farming project and the results of his first harvest.

With the help of a CGN business grant, Douglas undertook his first experience with commercial maize production under rainfed conditions. After shelling the maize, the project produced a total harvest of three tonnes.

The maize was sold to the Grain Marketing Board for $364 per tonne, generating $1,092 in total proceeds.

Learning From the First Growing Season

Douglas shared that the project followed recommended farming practices, but the growing season presented some challenges.

The maize was dry planted before the rains arrived. Later in the season, excessive rainfall associated with cyclones caused waterlogging in parts of the field, reducing the eventual yield.

According to Douglas, agricultural experts advised him that the resulting yield was not unusual for rainfed farming, particularly considering the conditions experienced during the season.

While the season presented challenges, Douglas said the experience provided important lessons that he plans to apply going forward. For future maize production, his goal is to move closer to producing eight tonnes or more per hectare.

He plans to begin land preparation earlier. Because the field has now already been opened, he will also only need to disc the land rather than fully plough it, reducing his input costs.

Putting the Harvest Proceeds Back to Work

Douglas also has plans for the period between maize-growing seasons.

He intends to invest a portion of the proceeds from the harvest into establishing a small irrigated vegetable garden and planting green mealies under irrigation while waiting for the next rainy season.

The goal, he explained, is to generate income throughout the year while preparing for another attempt at commercial maize production.

Reflecting on his first season, Douglas expressed his appreciation for the support that made the project possible:

“We sincerely appreciate the grant you awarded us. Your support made this project possible, and the knowledge and experience we gained will help us achieve even better results in future seasons.”

Douglas plans to continue building on what he learned from this first harvest, and we look forward to sharing future updates on his progress!