By KENNEDY MUPESENI –

THE Government has pledged to continue prioritising agriculture in its quest to grow the economy.
And the African Union (AU) has said it has put mechanisms in place to increase participation of women and youths in agriculture.
Agriculture and Livestock Minister Given Lubinda said the Government was committed to tackling challenges facing women and youths in agriculture to boost the economy.
“The commitment shown by all the participants is commendable. The AGRF has provided an opportunity for the country in sharing ideas, the Government is committed to tackling challenges facing farmers in the country,” Mr Lubinda said.
He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the African Green Revolution Forum (AFRF) on Friday night.
Mr Lubinda reiterated that agriculture should not be left to the retired and tired individuals but that the Government would continue working with regional bodies like the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) to tap the potential.
Mr Lubinda told the 600 delegates and participants that the untapped potential was futile, and that there was no way Africa should be hungry when there was so much potential.
Meanwhile, AU commissioner for rural economy and agriculture Rhoda Tumusiime in her keynote speech said significant growth in agriculture had the capacity to boost trade in Africa.
“We need to create more opportunities in the area of providing incentives for women and youths in agriculture to boost African economies,” Dr Tumusiime said.