Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Zambia’s agricultural sector, with increased investment and support for farmers.
Speaking at the official opening of this year’s 9th District Agriculture, Mining, Industrial and Commercial Show at Meheba Junction in Kalumbila District, Administrative Officer Frank Siatwinda has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting agriculture growth and increasing investment in the sector.
Mr Siatwinda urged farmers to embrace agriculture as a business, while highlighting ambitious maize production targets and expanded government programmes aimed at boosting food security and rural livelihoods.
He said the annual exhibition provides an important opportunity for farmers to share ideas, discuss agricultural innovations and celebrate their contribution to national food security.
Mr Siatwinda also urged farmers to treat agriculture as a business and take precautionary measures when marketing their produce to avoid exploitation by unscrupulous buyers.
He revealed that Kalumbila district has been assigned a target of producing 77,000 metric tons of maize in support of the government’s national target of achieving 10 million metric tons of maize production.
Mr Siatwinda said government remains committed to improving farmers’ livelihoods through programmes such as the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), the Sustainable Agricultural Financing Facility (SAFF), the Fertiliser Support Programme (FSP) and the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) respectively.
He further disclosed that under the Enhanced Smallholder Livestock Investment Programme (ESLIP), the government will distribute more than 600 kilograms of pasture seed across the district to enhance livestock production and productivity.
Mr Siatwinda also commended Barrick Lumwana Mine and the Trident Foundation for their continued support to farmers through the provision of farming inputs, saying the partnership has significantly contributed to increased agricultural productivity and improved food security.
He further thanked the Kalumbila District Show Society, the Departments of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock, Kalumbila Town Council, the traditional leadership under the Mumena Royal Establishment and all stakeholders for their financial, material and technical support towards the successful hosting of the show.
Earlier, District Farmers Association Chairperson, Mackford Machona welcomed participants and described the show as a celebration of the resilience and hard work of farmers who continue to feed the nation.
Mr Machona encouraged investors to partner with local farmers, noting that the district is endowed with fertile soils, abundant water resources and a hardworking farming community capable of supporting commercial agriculture.
He also urged farmers to use the exhibition as an opportunity to learn about modern farming technologies, access new markets and establish lasting business partnerships.
Meanwhile, Office of the Commissioner for Refugees Legal Advisor, Bestan Pumulo said Kalumbila distict’s diverse population presents an opportunity to build a stronger and more resilient local economy through inclusive trade and investment.
Mr Pumulo encouraged farmers, entrepreneurs and business operators to use the show to exchange ideas, establish partnerships and explore opportunities that will contribute to the district’s continued growth.
He noted that empowering farmers with knowledge, equipment and access to markets would help transform subsistence farming into commercial agriculture, thereby improving livelihoods.
And Kananga Mpemba Group Leader, Memory Ngungu thanked the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, for supporting the farming sector, which contributed to this year’s bumper harvest.
Ms Ngungu also commended farmers across the district for their dedication and hard work during the agricultural season.
The Kalumbila District Agriculture, Mining, Industrial and Commercial Show will continue with exhibitions, competitions and business engagements aimed at promoting agriculture, mining, industry and investment in the district.
The event, being held under the theme “Fostering Trade and Investment,” has attracted government officials, farmers, business leaders, development partners and exhibitors from the agriculture, mining and commercial sectors, providing a platform to showcase products, exchange knowledge and create market linkage.
