Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Daniel Kalenga says the move is aimed at easing the operations of agriculture extension officers.
Mr. Kalenga said the vehicles and motor cycles would also help motivate the field officers who are instrumental in knowledge and technological transfer to farmers in rural areas.
He was speaking in Lusaka today at the 38th graduation ceremony of the Natural Resource Development College (NRDC) when 190 students graduated with Diplomas in various agricultural fields.
Mr. Kalenga said government is determined to improve rural life by providing necessary infrastructure and agricultural human resources which would ultimately lead to increased productivity among farmers.
He challenged the graduating students to work with farmers in rural areas and equip them with information on good farming practices.
Speaking earlier, University of Zambia (UNZA) Vice Chancellor Professor Stephen Simukanga said the country should invest heavily in agriculture trainings so as to fight poverty among its people.
Professor Simukanga said agriculture can help avert the negative effects of the global economics which the country is currently facing.
And NRDC Principal, Aggrey Siyumbano said the college has partnered UNZA to provide students with accredited Diplomas from UNZA.
Mr. Siyumbano said the college is also negotiating with UNZA to start offering students with UNZA accredited degrees.
Meanwhile, Government says the Agriculture sector has the potential to serve as an engine for achieving broad-based economic growth and reduce poverty levels.
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minster Brain Chituwo says this is why government remains committed to improving and strengthening the agriculture sector to enhance food security at household and national level.
Dr. Chituwo said this in a speech read for him by his Deputy Albert Mulonga at the official launch of the 4th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Youth, Food and Agriculture Conference in Lusaka today.
He said youth participation in agricultural programmes can also play a vital role in kick starting and maintaining economic growth and reduce poverty and hunger in the country.
Dr. Chituwo also disclosed that government will support regional youth-based programmes that contribute positively towards the attainment of the country’s developmental programmes like the Vision 2030 and the Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP).
He further challenged stakeholders in the COMESA region to ensure that youths are equipped with necessary skills that can make them contribute effectively to regional integration.
ZANIS
Yashani ama Honda tayalebomba bwino??
Here is a suggestion, take every second car bought for MPs, minister and their clan and give these Agriculture dudes and we are set no need to spend more finances. Zambia is funny, to put out a small bush fire that would require a bucket, I bet some one would wait for the fire engines at the Airport.
They could just paint the hearses white instead of acquiring more vehicles.
No# 3 Woman of substance says
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha that is funny my dear. Question people, where is my lady Olympia extension Chick! I miss you my dear, Lady Malama and your poems where are you, Engine bhloko mr. where are thee and all the other greats, you make this site worth while because of the diversity you bring. We need some more people to put laughter on our faces after 1984 tells us freightening truths, or Maestro takes on people bashing his HH. Love you all my brothers and sisters and to Christ be the glory.
Funny but true lady woman of substance.
just get them hearses 1-1 bonse ma extension officers, they are very cheap only USD29000/ thats nothing with sugar daddy nyamasoya. infact just get them IFA trucks, they will be good for the officers as they visit the poor farmers in the rural areas! KK must must be regretting having educated some of these guys in government.
“MMD presidential aspirant Professor Clive Chirwa on Wednesday said he will join another political party should his presidential aspirations fail in the MMD.”
Prof. just join PF. Don’t waste time with crooks.
#7 Peter, I think it would really make sense for Prof to Join another party but I beg to differ with you on your option. PF? No, iyo, not PF. I think HP because PF’s approach to politics is impulsive, no thinking involved for as long as the majority of mishanga sellers and gonenas are happy, kwasila. The policies are not long term, they just reward the ones with longest insele if not that, then the longest amasha or ukusukuma or ibila camusana cikayabola, ba foloko type – pa airport.
#8 Dongo Na Sundu,iyo mune walasa! Anyhow,do you think i can still find copies of these books:- Dongo Na Sundu,Robert & Sara,Kalumbi Banda and Jelita & Mulenga in the libraries in zambia?
“WORKS and supply minister Mike Mulongoti is a buffoon and a twit, former defence minister George Mpombo has charged.”
TRUE AND TO THE POINT, MPOMBO.
“WORKS and supply minister Mike Mulongoti is a buffoon and a twit, former defence minister George Mpombo has charged.”
TRUE AND TO THE POINT, MPOMBO.
The idea of buying vehicles & motor cyles for the agriculture extension officers is a welcome move but how many times has the Ministry ben buying vehicles and mptpr cycles. A check around the country has shown that there a lot them lying idle due lack of spares. It would have made sense if the ministry had to buy spares for the old fleet as well unless some one wants to have a cut like the case of Ministry of local govt on mandamandas.
Let me say something these cars are needed in the rural areas coz am elections are just around the corner. I once stayed in the bush called Sinda Katete its actuly these cars and Hondas that are used to campaign so its just good strateg. Abene ama real Zambians in the villeges bali kwata ingombe
“Woman of substance”, mind your comments. You think agricultural officers can sink so low to accept hearses for offical duties? Its not funny at all and try to think before you send your comments. Thats quiet degrading…..
What a hopeless union leadership representing agric workers ati Kamutumwa.
#14, why are you pissed? Guess you must be looking at your payslip and wondering where all the years have gone! Bet Woman of substance meant it as a joke! Cheer up!
great idea, but will the vehicles be used for the intended purposes?? I doubt it with the abuse in the country and the lack of monitoring mechanisms
#14 Thank you.
Some people have no sense of humor whatsoever
# 14 Za Yelo … I agree with u. We want sensable comment not jokes without gagging the mood of the readers.
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