Government has lauded YARA International a Norwegian Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) for donating 2,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer to the Ministry of Agriculture.
And Minister of Agriculture Michael Katambo says the agriculture sector is one of several sectors that have not been spared from the adverse effects of the COVID-19, hence the donation will certainly go a long way in assisting small scale farmers especially those in rural areas.
Mr Katambo praised the fertilizer donation during a joint press briefing by the Ministry of Agriculture and TARA International, held at Mulungushi House in Lusaka yesterday.
Mr Katambo pointed out that most of the activities that farmers used to undertake to improve their farming businesses have been halted due to the restrictions enforced on the general public, thus contributing to the country’s food insecurity particularly among small scale farmers.
“On behalf of the President, Edgar Lungu, the people of Zambia, my Ministry and all the would-be beneficiaries, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude towards this generous and timely donation,” Mr Katambo stated.
He assured that the input will be distributed among the intended beneficiaries through the Conservation Farming Unit (CFU) and will be put to good use by the end users.
Mr. Katambo further warned that government will not allow any possible malpractice among the implementers.
“May the recipients of these inputs, therefore, count it as a rare privilege to be among those few who have been chosen as beneficiaries. To all the implementers, ensure that the donations are channeled to the intended beneficiaries as the government will not allow any malpractices towards this gift,” he stated.
And YARA International Commercial Director for Zambia, (1b) Gawie Peens disclosed that Zambia is among seven African countries to benefit from the initiative,
Mr Peens revealed that 40, 000 tonnes of high quality fertilizer has already been shipped to Africa of which Zambia has been allocated 2,000 metric tonnes.
“YARA’S fertilizer contribution, combined with agronomic support, is expected to triple maize production and feed more than one million people across Africa.
Thank you Norway!
Agriculture sector was already in decline before Covid. Even immediate past bank of Zambia governor said it. After covid came and has become their scape goats, they have reduced blaming climate change and HH.
Can we not make fertilisers in Zambia?
This mindset of expecting donations all the time is very shameful. Why can’t Zambians see that?
Always begging. Always expecting someone else to foot the bill. Always borrowing. Can you run a household by these principles? No.
In any case, organic farming should be encouraged in Zambia.
Thank you to our partners in Norway unlike the diasporans who shout about their tax payers money being misappropriated and yet they are unemployed there in Europe and a burden on European nations budgets.
When shall the donations change direction. Its not fair to be receiving frm others all the time.
These donations, donations, and donations a nation built on donations is not a nation to be proud of , what will happen when there will be no donations are the people of Zambia going to die, really I wouldn’t support donations in a nation where there is plenty of land lying un worked and plenty of rain and all season rivers.
Zambians must wake up and feed their own people do you really think that someone thousands of miles away from you can love you more than you love yourself?
Indeed simple minded people think like that, but I don’t think so , better Zambians raise to the occasion to solve their own problems.
Zambia has everything needed to solve their own situations , donations promote laziness and dependence syndrome which Africans still suffer from.
The donors would like…
TODAY THEY CALL IT IS A DONATION BUT TOMORROW IT SHALL BE CALLED NKONGOLE. THE FIRST QUESTION TO ASK PF IS, WHAT HAS BROUGHT IT BE A DONATION? ARE WE IN A HUNGER SITUATION THAT WE CAN BE GIVEN SUCH A DONATION?
WE ALL KNOW PLANS OF THESE GUYS NI BA PUNGWA BA PUNKA BA MWANKOLE CHILOMOLOMO
Similar stuff is what exploded in Beirut, Lebanon, several weeks ago now. Can you check that consignment please or keep it at your farm Hon. Katambo …
Where is NCZ?
Donations to be given to farmers NOT reselling
mukaleka lisa ukulomba aba sungu.
You chased the whites for the sake of independence but you begging for handouts because of visionless leaders.Africa is a cursed story.”Give a black man power and you will his true colours”Gore Brown
Ati”Thank you to our partners in Norway unlike the diasporans who shout about their tax payers money being misappropriated and yet they are unemployed there in Europe and a burden on European nations budgets”
Beggers like free things
@ madilu the worst beggars even move to the country of their colonisers as asylum seekers aka diasporans. Leaching off other countries
Thank you Norway wont there be a hand over of the fertiliser like we did with the fire engines?