Seed Co is expected to open a seed production farm in Chief Kanyesha’s Chiefdom in Luano district of Central province at a total cost of K75 million.
Seed Co Board Chairperson Chance Kabaghe also said the Seed Company is expected to transform 100 medium scale farmers into Commercial Farmers in each Chiefdom of Mkushi district in the next few years.
ZANIS reports that Mr. Kabaghe made the pronouncements during the Ichibwelamushi Annual Traditional Ceremony of the Lala and Swaka speaking people held at Chalata in Mkushi district.
He added that his firm will also support the construction of a cultural village at Chalata that will be used as a transition center to teach the young generation about traditional and cultural values.
Mr. Kabaghe said the move to help the Lala and Swaka people develop their area through agriculture and to continue supporting the Ichibwelamushi traditional ceremony, is to plough back its gains to the community.
He revealed that this is where the company produces the largest amount of seed both for the country and export.
Mr. Kabaghe assured the 19 traditional leaders at the ceremony that Seed Co will also establish a large youth skills life sustaining center in Central province.
He added that the company will facilitate the training of women and youths to become commercial farmers.
Speaking at the same function, Ichibwelamushi Organising Committee Chairperson, Benson Musonda said a people without culture is just as good as dead.
Mr. Musonda said the Lala and Swaka people cherish and value their traditional and cultural heritage.
He noted that the Lala and Swaka speaking people plan to construct a cultural village for cultural education and transition to the young generation.
Mr. Musonda paid tribute to Seed Co for being the main sponsor of this year’s Ichibwelamushi Annual Traditional Ceremony.
He noted that Seed Co produces over 60 per cent of seed from Mkushi district both for Zambian farmers and for export.
And Central Province Permanent Secretary (PS), Chanda Kabwe has called on Traditional Leaders in the region to attend the forthcoming Central Province Investment Forum and Expo slated for October 8 to 13, this year.
Mr. Kabwe said the Investment Forum and Expo will see massive development taking place in Central Province.
He said the Provincial Administration will work with the Provincial Chiefs’ Council to explain how the Investment Forum and Expo will bring development and employment opportunities in the province.
The PS projected that two years after the expo, more than 10,000 job opportunities will be created in the province.
He, however, said this can only be possible with full involvement of Traditional Leaders and the private sector, saying government alone cannot succeed.
