A renowned Zambian farmer has urged farmers in the country to diversify their crops and prioritise the production of legumes, particularly soybeans and groundnuts.
Evans Ng’oma observes that soybeans and groundnuts are crucial for edible oil production.
Mr Ng’oma who is Buy-Zambia (BuyZed) Campaign Founder and CEO, in a statement issued to the media in Lusaka today, warned that any possible shortage of the legumes could lead to a deficit.
“I urged my fellow farmers in the country to diversify soybeans and groundnuts and prioritise the production of legumes. These crops are crucial for edible oil production and a shortage could lead to a national deficit,’’ he said.
He adds that the legumes are vital to the country’s food security and economic growth.
He appreciated government’s efforts to support farmers through various ambitious agro-packages.
He strongly condemned some farmers allegedly stealing farming inputs instead of utilising them properly.
The BuyZed founder suggested to the government that the System Administrators should implement a locking mechanism to allow only two bags of fertilizer to be swiped per farmer unlike what is obtaining.
According to Mr Ng’oma, doing so will enable farmers to access the necessary fertilizers alongside purchasing seeds and other vital inputs.
The Buy-Zed Ambassador believed that this measure would help promote a balanced input usage, improve crop yields, and contribute to Zambia’s economic growth and food security.
