The National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR) made a resounding impact at the 2025 Agricultural & Commercial Show, held from July 29 to August 4, 2025, at the Showgrounds in Lusaka. Under the timely theme "Adapting to Climate Change," NISIR showcased its cutting-edge research and innovative solutions designed to help Zambia's agricultural sector build resilience against the growing threats of climate variability.
A Landmark Participation
The Agricultural & Commercial Show is Zambia's largest agricultural exhibition, attracting thousands of farmers, agribusiness professionals, policymakers, and the general public. NISIR's participation marked a significant milestone in the Institute's efforts to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical, on-the-ground applications for farmers and agribusinesses. Over the seven-day event, NISIR welcomed more than 5,000 visitors to its exhibition stand, engaging in meaningful dialogues about climate-smart agriculture, drought-resistant crops, and sustainable farming technologies.
Key Innovations Showcased
Drought-Resistant Crop Varieties
NISIR's Plant Science Department presented several newly developed crop varieties specifically bred to withstand prolonged dry spells and erratic rainfall patterns. These included maize varieties with 35% higher yield under water-stressed conditions, cassava clones adapted to low-rainfall regions, and sorghum and millet varieties optimized for Zambia's agro-ecological zones. Farmers who visited the stand were particularly interested in the drought-tolerant maize, which has shown promising results in field trials across Lusaka, Southern, and Eastern provinces.
Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices
The Institute demonstrated innovative farming techniques that help farmers optimize water use, improve soil health, and reduce post-harvest losses. Key highlights included conservation agriculture methods (minimum tillage, crop rotation, and mulching), efficient irrigation systems (drip and sprinkler technologies), integrated pest management strategies, and solar-powered drying and storage solutions. Live demonstrations attracted significant attention, with many farmers expressing interest in adopting these practices on their farms.
Animal Science Innovations
The Animal Science Department showcased research on heat-tolerant livestock breeds, improved animal feed formulations using locally available materials, and innovative fodder production systems under water-scarce conditions. Visitors were particularly impressed by the demonstration of hydroponic fodder production, which produces nutritious animal feed with minimal water and land requirements, offering a viable solution for small-scale livestock farmers during dry seasons.
Water, Energy & Environment Solutions
The WE&E Department presented integrated water management systems for smallholder farmers, solar-powered water pumps and irrigation solutions, renewable energy technologies for agricultural processing, and climate adaptation decision-support tools. These solutions highlighted how sustainable energy and water management can transform agricultural productivity even in challenging climatic conditions.
"Climate change is no longer a distant threat — it is our present reality. At NISIR, we are committed to developing practical, science-based solutions that empower our farmers to not only survive but thrive in the face of climate challenges. The 2025 Agricultural Show provided an invaluable platform to connect with the very people our research is designed to serve."
Engagement with Farmers and Stakeholders
Throughout the week, NISIR scientists and researchers engaged directly with farmers, cooperatives, and agribusiness representatives. The Institute conducted daily Q&A sessions on climate adaptation strategies, distributed informational brochures and technical guides in both English and local languages, collected feedback and field data to guide future research priorities, and established connections with over 200 farmers for pilot testing of new technologies. Many visitors shared their own experiences with climate impacts, helping researchers better understand the challenges facing Zambian agriculture.
Official Recognition
On the third day of the show, the Minister of Agriculture officially visited the NISIR stand, commending the Institute for its groundbreaking research and practical approach to solving real-world agricultural problems. The Minister noted that "institutions like NISIR are critical to achieving national food security and building a climate-resilient agricultural sector." NISIR received a Certificate of Participation and was recognized as one of the top five research institutions at the show.
Media Coverage and Outreach
NISIR's participation attracted significant media attention, with coverage from Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), The Times of Zambia, The Daily Mail, and several agricultural radio programs. Interviews with NISIR scientists highlighted the Institute's climate adaptation research and its relevance to smallholder farmers. Social media engagement during the event reached over 100,000 impressions, with many followers sharing photos and testimonials from the exhibition stand.
Way Forward
Following the success of the 2025 Agricultural Show, NISIR plans to launch a Farmer Outreach Program to disseminate climate-resilient technologies to rural communities, establish demonstration farms in each province to showcase drought-resistant crops and sustainable practices, develop a mobile advisory service providing real-time climate information and agronomic advice, and strengthen partnerships with agricultural extension services to scale the adoption of research outputs. The Institute is also exploring collaborations with international partners to access climate finance and expand its research capabilities.
NISIR extends its sincere gratitude to all farmers, partners, and stakeholders who visited the stand and engaged with our researchers. The 2025 Agricultural Show reaffirmed NISIR's commitment to translating scientific excellence into tangible benefits for Zambia's agricultural sector. As the country continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, NISIR remains at the forefront of developing innovative, adaptive, and sustainable solutions for a resilient agricultural future.
