Rice farmers happy with new farming technologies

Rice Farmers in Limulunga district of Western have expressed satisfaction with the improved rice farming technology and the use of new rice varieties under the Agricultural Productivity Programme in Southern Africa (APPSA).

Speaking during an exchange visit in Nangila area, Kamwezi Shanika who had been empowered with SUPA MG new rice and used controlled spacing said she used few seeds but the yield is more unlike when she used recycled seed.

And Likando Nyambe of Usha area applauded government for taking a bold decision to inculcate the promotion of rice growing adding she was able to fill bags and secure food for her household.

Government has been making strides through the US$200,000 APPSA project that has been rolling out its implementation since 2015 by empowering farmers with 1 Kilogram of Rice to demonstrate to how improved farming technology and certified rice varieties would promote higher yield.

And speaking when addressing farmers at Nangili area of Limulunga District, Mongu Senior field Crops Officer said 20 lead farmers and 400 follower farmers in Western Province have been benefiting from the Agricultural Productivity Programme in Southern Africa APPSA.

She encouraged the local people to ensure that the certified seeds are stored for other members in the community to appreciate the new farming Initiative.

And Limulunga District Commissioner Litambo Ndombo told ZANIS in an interview that government is committed to ensuring that people in rural Zambia are empowered to increase their levels of agriculture productivity.

Mr. Ndombo said it was gratifying that people have seen the need to improve their farming adding that cultivation should move handy with higher productivity.

He urged the local farmers to take advantage of the initiative because it would contribute to alienating hunger as well as to promote the country’s food security.

The programme which has rounded Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia is been carried out in Northern, Muchinga and Western Province and has been benefiting Kalabo, Mongu, Senanga and Limulunga districts in selected areas.