Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Chief Editor
Published on 2024-03-27 11:30:20
Mr Oliver Mulenga and Aggrey Musamba, two senior citizens in Chinsali District of Muchinga Province, are advocating for the Government to capitalize on the favorable rainfall patterns in the northern part of the country to increase food production for the nation. During a stakeholders’ meeting with Patrick Mucheleka, the Permanent Secretary for Special Duties at Cabinet Office, they emphasized the importance of supporting farmers with necessary resources and promoting a variety of crops to ensure food security.
Mr Mulenga, a retired civil servant and fish farmer, suggested that the Government should commercialize and provide meaningful farming inputs to serious farmers who understand the concept of agribusiness. He stressed the need for cooperative officers to assess cooperatives and ensure that only dedicated farmers receive support under the Farmers Input Support Programme. Additionally, he recommended focusing on value-added products such as mealie meal and urged the Government to revamp the milling company in Chinsali to facilitate exports.
On the other hand, Musamba highlighted the necessity of establishing a milling company in Chinsali to enhance agribusiness activities in the district. He acknowledged the rapid expansion of poultry and aquaculture but pointed out the hindrance of high feed prices sourced from Lusaka. Musamba proposed reviving the old Chinsali milling company to produce poultry and fish feed locally, reducing costs and eliminating the need for farmers to travel to Lusaka for supplies.
By reviving the milling company, Musamba believes that not only will fish become more affordable in Chinsali, but the surplus can also be sold to other districts, increasing economic opportunities for farmers. This initiative aligns with the goal of promoting self-sufficiency in agricultural production and fostering growth in the local economy.
Both Mulenga and Musamba emphasize the importance of leveraging the current favorable weather conditions and agricultural potential in Chinsali to enhance food security and promote agricultural development. Their proposals to revamp the milling company and support local farmers with essential resources demonstrate a proactive approach towards addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
In conclusion, the suggestions put forward by Mr. Mulenga and Mr. Musamba underscore the importance of strategic investments in agriculture and the need for government intervention to support farmers in maximizing their agricultural productivity. By leveraging local resources and promoting value-added products, Chinsali has the potential to become a hub for agricultural innovation and economic growth in Muchinga Province.
Read the original article on Lusaka Times
