Government says the Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) is on course of producing over 20 000 metric tones of Compound D fertilizer in readiness for the 2010/2011 farming season.
Lusaka Province Minister Charles Shawa said government has since funded the company in order to revamp its operations and produce the fertilizer which will be delivered to Lusaka, Central and Southern provinces.
Mr. Shawa disclosed this in a speech read for him by acting Lusaka Province Assistant Secretary Chileshe Kasoma at the official opening of the 5th Annual General Meeting of the Kafue District Cooperative Marketing Union in Chilanga, Kafue today.
The provincial minister observed that resumption of fertiliser production at the company will create new employment opportunities and guarantee existing ones for the locals in the district.
He commended the cooperative union for purchasing 40 000X 50 Kg of maize from small scale farmers at the cost of K2.6 billion in addition to what the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has purchased in the current marketing season.
Mr. Shawa challenged the cooperative union to take advantage of government’s various business incentives by engaging in the processing industry to add value to farm produce.
And speaking at the same function, Lusaka Province Cooperative Marketing Union Chairperson John Nsandwe commended government for assisting small scale farmers with subsided agricultural inputs.
Mr Nsandwe said the increase in the number of recipients of agricultural inputs under the Fertiliser Input Support Programme (FISP) is testimony of government’s commitment to the sector.
He hailed FRA for increasing the satellite depots from 7 to 9 in the area aimed at reducing the distance for farmers to access the market.
Over 122 delegates drawn from primary society that are affiliated to the district union have convened in Kafue District to elect a new executive committee following the expiry of mandate to the outgoing one.
ZANIS
This is good news. Are we seeing the return of NCZ ???
Can someone highlight me on just how much Compound D Fertiliser will be required for this faming season? Just want to make sure we are putting resources in the right direction.
you chaps are jokers..this plant can supply the whole SADC region with fertilizers..why are u giving niombo and omnia..the foreigners to do that?thieves..NCZ is the best!!
ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING’S GONNA BE AVAILABLE TOWARDS 2011. ROADS WILL BE GRADED, A FEW OTHER ROADS WILL BE TARRED, SUGAR/TEA/BREAD/COOKING OIL WILL BE HANDED OUT TO THE POOR IN VILLAGES, CHIEFS WILL BE PROMISED MORE CARS OR FREE FUEL OR CAR LOANS WILL BE CANCELLED, FREE FERTILISER AND REDUCED PRICES OF FERTILISER WILL BE PROMISED TO CHIEFS AND VILLAGERS, VILLAGERS WILL BE PROMISED TO FLY ON PLANES TO CHINA AS TOURISTS, “AS I DO AS A PRESIDENT”, AND THE LIST WILL BE ENDLESS.
Nyiombo Investments Fertilizer prices are the most expensive among all the suppliers because ALOT OF GOVERNMENT OFFICALS are on Nyiombo’s payroll. This has to stop, and stopped now.
Hon Shawa and co. are not serious with NCZ operations. There is need for massive injection working capital. If they have failed then let Universal Steel get for scrap since its just a stone’s throw.
Ha a sigh of relief for Kafue but too little too late. All the same some small Well done on this one. HOWEVER, and note HOWEVER in capital letters, the 20,000 is a small insignificant figure for a Plant like NCZ and national requirement. This is a set up. It is less than 5% of annual national requirement when the Plant can supply the whole country and the sub region.