• it is a well known fact that Zambian agriculture is faced with the challenge of poor productivity and high cost of production.

By SYLVIA MWEETWA –

THE just ended 2015 Agric tech Expo in Chisamba District of Central Province, laid bare the answers regarding challenges faced by farmers in Zambia.
These challenges which have been influenced by climate change, are not only faced by local farmers but also confront others globally.
Through the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) organised tech expo, farmers were also exposed to practical solutions through various farming technologies which were being exhibited.
Clearly, without equipping farmers with information and knowledge on how to adapt with the changing climate conditions, farmers were likely to fail to produce enough for consumption and sale.
On the other hand, it is a well known fact that Zambian agriculture is faced with the challenge of poor productivity and high cost of production which are negatively affecting agricultural competitiveness.
But the Government leadership of President Edgar Lungu is alive to the challenges faced by farmers in the country but is banking on research which remains key to growing the country’s agriculture sector, considering changes in weather paterns the country is experiencing.
Mr Lungu explained that with improved research, it is possible for the agriculture sector to flourish and that, the setting up of a research centre such as the Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust (GART), was important for the country’s development.
The President who was speaking at the closure of the Expo, emphasised that research was cardinal to the climatic changes and that, such changes should not be ignored and is confident that research was answer to challenges faced by farmers.
He said the country has experts and knowledge in research and should be utilised and that, it was not possible for the country to fail and urged Zambians especially farmers who are key partners in development to make use of the research centres.
“Global warming is a challenge facing not only Zambia but the world as a whole but, as a country with all experts, we need to involve research especially in our agriculture if the country’s food security is to be safeguarded, “he said.
There was need to make use of wasted water by engaging in irrigation but the President said, that would require farmers to be knowledgeable if it has to achieve its goals.
Food was good as politics, without it the country would not be stable and that, he is ready to meet farmers to share ideas on how to grow the sector.
Mr Lungu said he was happy with the display of the agricultural machinery and is encouraged to be educated on how banks where assisting farmers to grow their production.
He revealed that plans to split the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock was underway and that, it has listened to complaints by farmers and other stakeholders.Central Province Permanent Secretary Edwidge Mutale was happy with the continued participation by companies in the expo and it was clear testimony of government partnerships between private and public.
Ms Mutale said the expo was important and provides an opportunity to market the country’s investment potential not only in agriculture, but other areas of development which are key.
She was happy that, it had increased a number of exhibitors as compared to last year but was hopeful that the figure will increase further next year, which would require the organisers to find a bigger place.
She said it was possible for Zambia to become a rising star in the agriculture sector with the use of latest modern technology.
ZNFU President Evelyn Nguleka said the major challenge to the Zambian agro-sector was lack of investment in technology and emphasised the need for modern agricultural technology.
“If we want to achieve our goals as a dependable pole for the agricultural evolution in the region and beyond, I think the Agritech Expo is one of such interventions that we are using to bring technology home for our farmers to partake, ”she said.
Dr Nguleka described the event as a major success which saw about 19 countries from both Africa and Europe participating. It also attracted over 10,000 people who included both small scale and commercial farmers and clearly, the expo had increased the numbers of visitors and exhibitors.
She said the expo was honoured to host President Lungu and Vice President Inonge Wina, Cabinet Ministers and the German Minister of Agriculture Christian Schmidt, who led a 20 man delegation from that country.
The Expo has proved itself not only as a network platform but, a unique and targeted business where actual sales happen and that, ZNFU would continue with innovations and diversifying service support initiatives for the benefits of its farmers.
Speaking during the opening of the first ever Agriculture Training and Knowledge Centre (ATKC) at GART, Mr Schmidt said the opening was a clear testimony of improved relations which exists between the two countries.
Mr Schmidt who was accompanied by three Members of Parliament (MPs) , eight officials from the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture and representatives from 12 German companies engaged in the project said that, Zambia remains a strong partner in development.
Mr Schdmidt asked Zambians to make use of the facilities for the benefit of the country’s development, adding that, there was need to equip farmers with knowledge which in turn, would improve the agriculture sector.
The Minister explained that, inauguration of the centre was aimed at promoting sustainable and modern agriculture in the country through enhanced bilateral cooperation between Zambia and Germany.
Agriculture Minister Given Lubinda said research plays a critical role in improving agricultural production because it generates the technology that is critical in improving productivity and that, research was high on its agenda.
He said in recent years, small and medium scale farmers have been acquiring 300 tractors and other farming machinery as a means of improving its agriculture production.
Annie Mumba, a Small scale farmer whose spoke on behalf of others, said the concept of holding an Expo was an initiative which would benefit farmers and increase crop production.
Without doubt, farm mechanisation is slowly gaining momentum among small and medium scale farmers which in turn, has continued to increase agriculture productivity.
With a good will from the government, it is possible that Zambia will not to beg for food but, continue to be an answer for other nations.