— North-western province agricultural show records increased number of exhibitors

North-western province agricultural show records increased number of exhibitors

Solwezi, June 22, 2014, ZANIS  — The 53rd North-western province agricultural, mining, industrial and commercial show has recorded an increase in the number of exhibitors exhibiting this year.

The three day event has recorded an increase from twenty nine institutions and sixty individual farmers last year to forty eight institutions and eighty individual farmers exhibiting from across the province this year.

And Agriculture and livestock minister Wilbur Simuusa is impressed with the state of affairs at this year’s show.

Mr. Simusa has  encouraged exhibitors from both government and private to continue supporting agricultural shows as they are aimed at fostering national economic development and growth

He  said agricultural shows are important events as they provide an opportunity for farmers to weigh their performance and also exchange ideas on how best to improve production using new technologies.

Among the notable exhibitors are Barrick Lumwana, Kansanshi mine, National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), Zambia National Service, Prisons Service, Bank of Zambia and PACRA who are exhibiting for the first time.

Meanwhile, Mr Simuusa has commended Barrick Lumwana and Kansanshi mines for making positive contributions towards improving farmers’ livelihoods through the conservation farming and agri food innovators programmes.

Mr Simuusa said such programmes will help farmers double their production and improve household food security.

He said agriculture has been a priority on the Patriotic Front’s government agenda and all efforts aimed at improving the sector will be supported.

The show is being held under the theme “breaking new grounds in Northwestern province.”