Agricultural Information Exchange Association formed in Southern province

Agricultural Information Exchange Association formed in Southern province 

Choma, April 12, 2013, NAIS—————A Public Private Partnership Association in Southern province has been formally formed to promote the exchange of agricultural information among farmers and agricultural stakeholders in a bid to ensure household and national food security.

Southern Province Agricultural Information Association Chairperson Gilbert Vlahakis said the association which is the first of its kind in the country will also enhance linkages in marketing of agricultural inputs and produce among association members and other stakeholders.

Mr. Vlahakis noted that his association will enhance the use of cost effective and sustainable agricultural practices and technologies.

Mr. Vlahakis was speaking in an exclusive interview with the National Agricultural Information Services (NAIS) during a meeting to usher into office Board of Directors for the Southern Province Agricultural Information Association at River side lodger in Choma.

He explained that the association was established to find solutions to farmers’ plight by joining efforts with the private and public sectors.

Among the members who were ushered into office by the association include Gilbert Vlahakis as Chairperson, Vice Chairperson,  Max Choombe who is Kalomo District Agricultural Coordinator,  Secretary, Kennedy Chilimboyi from Zambia Agricultural Research  Institute, Vice Secretary Enock Siankwilimba from Musika Zambia and Treasurer Ivon Mwangala from Indo Bank.

And Acting Southern Province Agricultural Coordinator Samuel Mukelabai said the association will assist in improving the living standards of the rural communities in the province.

Mr. Mukelabai pointed-out that the benefits the farmers will have from the association include improvement on value addition of the farmers’ produce by supplying the required agricultural information and technologies.

He called on input suppliers and marketing stakeholders to join the association to ensure farmers improve their yields and incomes.

NAIS/ENDS/LK/CBMC———————-DRY