The Ngambela of the Baroste Royal Establishment (BRE) Mukela Manyando has welcomed the Industrial Development Corporation’s (IDC) large-scale investment in cashew nut in the province.
Speaking when the IDC Group Chief Executive Officer Mr Mateyo Kaluba and his delegation met with the Kuta of the BRE, to brief them on the IDC’s planned investment in cashew value chain, the Ngambela assured the IDC of the BRE’s support for the project.
He said the project has the potential to improve the livelihood of the people in the province.
Meanwhile, Mr Kaluba said the IDC is confident the cashew processing plant and plantation it plans to establish in Western Province will enhance sustainable economic empowerment of the local people.
He said the mandate of the IDC is to ensure value addition to the local endowment there was in an area.
Mr Kaluba disclosed that IDC has incorporated Zambezi Cashews Ltd to facilitate its participation in cashew value chain and was working through ZAFFICO to undertake land clearance and first phase of the plantation.
He further said the IDC would work with partners to support an outgrower scheme as its investment in the value chain would provide a ready market for the cashew farmers across the province.
Mr Kaluba said this model has been used and embraced in other parts of the country where IDC has large scale agriculture investments.
Meanwhile Her Royal Highness – Princess Kufuna said she was happy that IDC was considering investing in her area of Kalabo, a decision that would enhance economic activity of her people.
So far Zambezi Cashews Ltd, through ZAFFICO has planted 103 ha of cashew seedlings.
An additional 200 hectares has been cleared for planting for the next farming season 2019/2020.
That is the way to go
Is there any report “Consolidated “Performance reports on the primary and secondary sectors of the Zambian economy A review of performance metrics and real options for the IDCs or State owned enterprises from IDCs say for 2017 or 2018