PRESIDENT Banda has invited the private sector to consider investing in maize storage infrastructure following increased production in the country’s agriculturalsector.
Mr Banda said it is important to address the challenge of grain storage Zambia is facing by constructing and rehabilitating more silos and storage sheds in strategic locations of the country.
“Given the major maize harvest the country has recorded, my government realises the need to increase national storage capacity of agricultural inputs and products,” Mr Banda said.
Speaking at the official opening of the 54th Copperbelt Mining, Agricultural and Commercial Show, President Banda said Government is already undertaking the rehabilitation of storage facilities in selected parts of the country.
“Given that this is an enormous financial undertaking which requires long term planning, I invite the private sector to consider investing in storage infrastructure,” Mr Banda said.
And the President also said Government has embarked on the development and commercialisation of farm blocks to make more land available for investment.
The move will promote public private partnership aimed at enhancing economic diversification and growth.
The President said he was particularly happy that work in Nansanga farm block in Serenje is progressing well with prospective developers being indentified for investment.
Mr Banda also said Government has allocated K1 billion in this year’s national budget for the development of Luswishi farm block on the Copperbelt Province. He said the money will go towards the construction of roads and bridges in the farm block.
“It is envisaged that once this farm block is fully developed and operational, agriculture production will flourish in the province,” Mr Banda said.
The President said because of the good policies in the agricultural sector, Zambia has yet again produced the highest quantity of maize ever recorded in the country.
Zambia has produced 3,020,380 metric tonnes of maize this year compared to 2,795,483 metric tonnes produced in 2010.
“This represents an increase of eight percent. You will agree with me that this achievement is a clear testimony that our agriculture policies and programmes are succeeding and it is not only with maize that we have recorded a surplus. We also have more wheat, soya beans and other crops which have also performed above expectation,” Mr Banda said.
Meanwhile, Mr Banda has called on Zambians to take note of the fact that the country is emerging from economic doldrums and needs peace and unity to develop, JERRY MUNTHALI reports.
Mr Banda said during a luncheon hosted for him by the Lumwana Mining Company in Kitwe yesterday that Zambians should maintain peace and respect for each other as the nation goes to the polls later this year.
“Zambians must take note of the fact that our country is emerging from the doldrums, from its economic problems. We need to do more to move forward, we need peace and unity.
“As we go to the poll, we need to maintain respect and peace and allow Zambians to elect leaders of their choice. Our country must move forward in unity,” Mr Banda said.
He thanked the mining companies for working hard to contribute to the country’s economic development.
Lumwana Mining Company Limited managing director Adam Wright said his company joined the Chamber of Mines of Zambia because it recognises the importance of having a united and robust mining industry.
Mr Wright said Lumwana Mining Company is poised to increase production following the acquisition of Equinox Minerals by Barrick Gold.
[Zambia Daily Mail]
Mr GRZ why doesn’t the Government build the Grain Storage facilities for itself which in turn will empower our own people to be self sufficient and no one to blame when we go hungry.. having private hands on our food is not the way to go
you are more dull than any living zambia.pliz re examine your thinking for your child’s goood
# 1..The private sector is the one that drives economies of the modern world be it US,UK its the innovators,entrepreneurs who make things happen and they contribute a large share to their countiries GDP,so its so important that private sectors in Zambia come up with innovations on how to store thez grainz,,we produce more and waste more due to lack of storage facilitiz and the govt alone can not manage but with the help of private sector. The government like any Govt in modern world shud be there to provide a conducive environment for any1 and the private sector,it should provide social overheads such as roads,dams,power plants,health facilities,education which this government is doing…so the private sector more especially local zambians should become active in the development process.
@1 is right when you consider food security at national level. The infrastructure should be built by government. In terms of storage technologies, yes, the private sector can lead the way. The assertion that the private sector drives the economies in modern world is debatable if you bring the Chinese model and the current economic turmoils afflicting the countries you have mentioned into consideration. All am saying is the private sector is no panacea to economic woes!
#2.1 If you think China is still practicing the Chairman Mau model, you’re dead wrong!
#1 is extremely under educated in the role of gov.so under educated in this matter that it is annoying
RB, what is the motivation for the private sector to invest in maize silos? Please finish your sentence or statement or whatever it is. The driving factor for private sector is profit not charity.
If i build a silo will the government pay me rentals? Also will they pay on time?
Or
Will i be left to charge the farmers a rate of storage?
More information needed from the minister here.
#5, You’re asking the right questions but to the wrong person. It’s not the minister’s job to do a feasibility study for you. The minister’s job is to provide a conducive environment for you to do your investment. It is very likely that building your own silos as a maize trader at cardinal points in the country shall be very profitable for you in the long run. Maize is like oil. You’ll always have a market for it. Why let the government spoil this profit? Let go of this mentality that all development is the government’s responsibility.