— Govt. commends ZNFU its affordable inputs

Govt. commends ZNFU its affordable inputs

Ndola, 12th June 2014 ZANIS — Government has commended the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) for linking farmers to affordable inputs under the Lima credit scheme that has over the last five years grown from 600 hectares to over 10,000 hectares.

And ZNFU president Evelyn Nguleka observed that the agriculture sector plays an important role in driving the country’s economy.

Copperbelt Provincial Minister Mwenya Musenge says government recognizes other efforts ZNFU has been doing in the agriculture sector such has the information provision on commodity pricing, the Zambian Farmers TV programe and the promotion of conservation farmers among others.

He noted that such programs are in line with government’s agriculture policy which seeks to facilitate and support the development of a sustainable and competitive agricultural sector.

The Minister made these remarks in a speech read on his behalf by his Deputy Permanent Secretary Georgina Kasapato during the 2014 Zambia National Farmers Union regional planning and review meeting in Ndola today.

He added that the government agricultural policy assures food security at national and household levels and maximize the agricultural sector contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP).

“As government we will continue to support the agriculture sector so that our people can be helped to reach acceptable levels of household food security”. He said.

Mr. Musenge noted that despite the maize bumper harvest the country has recorded this year, government is keen to provide the necessary assistance and ensure that farmers sell their maize at a competitive and profitable price.

And ZNFU president Evelyn Nguleka observed that the agriculture sector plays an important role in driving the country’s economy.

Mrs Nguleka however expressed happiness at how the Copperbelt Province has improved in terms of maize production adding that it is known for copper production.

“The Copperbelt Province has tremendously improved in terms of maize production as compared to the years behind and this is a plus in the agriculture sector, because the agriculture industry is the major driver of the country’s economy” she said.