Zambia is positioning itself to benefit from a major agricultural export opportunity after China expressed interest in purchasing up to three million metric tonnes of soybeans from the country.
Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Maambo Haamaundu says government wings are exploring ways to contribute towards increased soybean production in line with efforts to expand Zambia’s agricultural exports.
Speaking during an interview on Government Forum Programme, Mr. Haamaundu said discussions are already underway to determine the specific soybean varieties and quality standards required by the Chinese market and how local producers can meet the demand.
He said Zambia has the potential to scale up production due to its vast arable land, fertile soils and available manpower.
Mr. Haamaundu however clarified that the soybean export opportunity is not limited to government institutions, stating that private sector players and ordinary farmers are expected to actively participate in the value chain.
He explained that government involvement in production is mainly aimed at understanding the practical challenges farmers face, including the high cost of inputs, irrigation demands, productivity levels and overall yields.
According to Mr. Haamaundu, direct participation in farming activities helps government institutions make informed policy decisions based on real experiences from the field.
The development comes as Zambia continues pursuing agriculture diversification and export-led growth to strengthen the economy and create new income opportunities for farmers.
