The Visiting United Kingdom (UK) Duke of Gloucester has challenged the Zambian Government to make use of the good climatic conditions currently prevailing in the country to development the Agriculture Sector.
The Duke said there was need for the Government to exploit the good weather by planting seeds favourable to the climate as well as embarking on major irrigation schemes to boost economic growth.
The Duke said this in Kitwe today during a Luncheon hosted in his honour at the Jubilee Lodge, organised by British Nationals resident in Kitwe.
He noted that Zambia had good weather which only needed massive investment in irrigation schemes and the promotion of new seeds favourable to this climate to boost growth in the agriculture sector.
The Duke who also toured stands at the Copperbelt Agriculture and Mining Show grounds expressed happiness with the amount of work the Show Society has done to assist Government promote economic growth and regional trade.
And Speaking at the same function Copperbelt Minister Mwansa Mbulakulima commended the Duke for visiting the country as his vist would boost the tourism industry.
Mr Mbulakulima said the Copperbelt had ten districts, seven of which were mining towns while the other three were dominantly agriculture oriented areas.
He described Britain as an all-weather friend and committed to assist the Zambian government in its various developmental projects.
Later, Show Society Chairman, Bill Osborne paid glowing tribute to the Duke for visiting the show grounds.
Mr Osborne said the Copperbelt Mining and Agriculture Show has been running for the past 50 years to help government boost local and regional rade in the Mining and Agriculture Sector.
Among the stands the Duke toured were the William Josborn Mbe Hall, Environmental Council of Zambia and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.
The Duke was accompanied by Copperbelt Minister Mwansa Mbulakulima, Copperbelt Permanent Secretary, Jennifer Musonda, British High Commissioner to Zambia and other senior Government Officials.
He is the Grandson of King George V and a first Cousin of Queen Elizabeth succeeded his father in June 1974.
