Government has launched the Presidential Irrigation Initiative (PII), stating it is not only a response to climate viability and drought but also a strategic measure aimed at guaranteeing food security.
Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary, Joe Kalusa said this during the launch at Thorn Park Primary School, in Lusaka today, indicating that 33 schools and colleges in the province have been selected to pioneer the programme, which aims to strengthen food security, through irrigation- based agriculture.
He cautioned that no school in Lusaka should fail, given the care taken in selecting schools for the programme, saying government has committed substantial funding, training and technical support to ensure the programme succeeds.
Mr Kalusa said the initiative is expected to transform schools into centres of production, innovation and practical learning, while equipping learners with skills in climate-smart agriculture, water management and food systems management.
He indicated that the performance of the first group of schools would determine the programme’s expansion, urging education authorities and communities to take ownership of the project.
“There should be no school that fails in Lusaka because government has taken care in selecting these institutions, training will be provided and significant resources will be allocated to each school,” he said.
And Provincial Education Officer, Terry Changwae said the Ministry of Education was ready to contribute towards the province’s target of producing 350,000 metric tonnes of maize by 2031, through school production units.
“When there’s a directive from our President that by 2031 the province has to produce 350,000 metric tonnes of maize, then we are saying as education, we need to be part of that and we are ready through our production units,” Mr Changwae said.
Meanwhile, Provincial Agriculture Coordinator, James Mwale said despite the challenges posed by climate change, Lusaka Province had made a contribution to the country’s maize harvest and was optimistic that irrigation initiatives would further increase production.
“We have challenges which we have been facing, issues of climate which are affecting us as a nation. Through the Ministry of Agriculture, Lusaka Province has also contributed significantly by producing 140,000 tonnes of maize, which is a major contribution to this year’s harvest,” Mr Mwale said.
Kafue District Education Board Secretary, Levy Matongo expressed gratitude for government’s continued commitment to strengthening agriculture, saying the programme would help improve food security and enhance livelihoods.
Why bring the president into everything if he is so popular what you scared of ?? relax allow someone else to receive a clap clap