Fertilizer Prices in Zambia
Updated March 2026 · 8 products compared
Compare market and FISP-subsidised fertilizer prices across Zambia. D-Compound, Urea, CAN, DAP, and organic alternatives with supplier information.
Fertilizer Price Comparison
| Fertilizer | Market Price | FISP Price | NPK | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D-Compound (50kg) Most common basal fertilizer | ZMK 850 – 1,100 | ZMK 250 | 10-20-10 | Basal dressing for maize |
| Urea (50kg) Highest nitrogen content | ZMK 800 – 1,050 | ZMK 250 | 46-0-0 | Top dressing for maize |
| CAN — Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (50kg) Less burn risk than urea | ZMK 750 – 950 | N/A | 27-0-0 | Top dressing alternative |
| NPK 10-20-10 (50kg) Balanced nutrients | ZMK 900 – 1,150 | N/A | 10-20-10 | General purpose basal |
| DAP — Diammonium Phosphate (50kg) Best for legumes | ZMK 1,000 – 1,300 | N/A | 18-46-0 | High-phosphorus basal |
| Compound S (50kg) Contains sulphur | ZMK 850 – 1,100 | N/A | 5-18-10+6S | Basal for tobacco & cotton |
| Lime (50kg) Recommended for acidic soils | ZMK 120 – 200 | N/A | CaCO₃ | Soil pH correction |
| Organic Compost (50kg) Local production | ZMK 80 – 150 | N/A | Varies | Soil improvement |
Major Suppliers & Distributors
Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ)
Government-owned, main FISP supplier
Kafue
Omnia Zambia
South African multinational, custom blends
Lusaka
ETG (Export Trading Group)
Major agri trader, bulk supply
Nationwide
Yara Zambia
Norwegian company, premium products
Lusaka
Zambia Fertilizers Ltd
Local manufacturer, competitive prices
Lusaka
Fertilizer in Zambia — Guide
Zambia's fertilizer market is dominated by the FISP programme, which distributes over 200,000 metric tonnes annually to approximately 1 million smallholder farmers. Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) in Kafue is the primary domestic manufacturer, but the majority of fertilizer is imported from South Africa, Morocco, and the Middle East.
Market Price Trends
Fertilizer prices have stabilised in 2025-2026 after the sharp increases of 2022-2023 driven by global supply chain disruptions. D-Compound prices have settled at ZMK 850-1,100 per 50kg bag, down from peaks of ZMK 1,500+ in 2022. Key price factors include international commodity prices, the Kwacha exchange rate, and transport costs from Dar es Salaam port.
Smart Buying Tips
Purchase early in the season (August-September) for lowest prices — pre-season prices are typically 10-15% lower than planting-season prices. Buy in bulk through cooperatives for volume discounts. Consider blended fertilizers from Omnia or Yara for crop-specific formulations. Always check the manufacture date — fertilizer older than 2 years may lose effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of D-Compound fertilizer in Zambia 2026?
A 50kg bag of D-Compound fertilizer costs ZMK 850-1,100 at market price in 2026. Through the FISP programme, qualifying farmers can purchase it for approximately ZMK 250 per bag — a subsidy of 70-75%. Prices vary by location, with rural areas typically 10-15% higher due to transport costs.
How does FISP work in Zambia?
The Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) provides subsidised inputs to small-scale farmers cultivating 0.5-5 hectares. Each beneficiary receives 8 bags of fertilizer (4 D-Compound + 4 Urea) and 10kg of certified maize seed. Farmers pay approximately ZMK 250 per bag instead of ZMK 850-1,100 market price. Registration is through local cooperative societies and agricultural camps.
Which fertilizer is best for maize in Zambia?
For maize, use D-Compound (10-20-10) as basal dressing at planting — apply 200kg per hectare. Follow with Urea as top dressing 4-6 weeks after emergence — apply 200kg per hectare. This two-stage approach provides balanced NPK nutrition for optimal maize yields of 6-8 tonnes per hectare under good conditions.
Where can I buy fertilizer in Zambia?
Fertilizer is available through: FISP distribution points (subsidised, for registered farmers), agro-dealer shops in major towns, NCZ factory in Kafue (bulk purchases), and cooperative societies. Major agro-dealers include Kamano Seed Company, MRI Agro, and Saro Agro. Online ordering is growing through platforms like AgroZ.
How much fertilizer do I need per hectare?
Standard recommendations for maize: 200kg D-Compound (4 x 50kg bags) as basal + 200kg Urea (4 x 50kg bags) as top dressing = 8 bags total per hectare. For soybeans: 200kg Compound S only (no top dressing needed as legumes fix nitrogen). Always do a soil test for optimal recommendations — contact your local agricultural extension officer.