Agro Sector to Reach Its Full Potential

30 August 2010, http://allafrica.com
URL: http://allafrica.com/stories/201008240150.html

IN the past, agriculture contribution to the balance of payment has been low despite its full potential.

While Zambia is remote from the world market, it is situated close to good regional markets for many products.

It is, therefore possible for the country to supply selected export markets with high value products such as paprika, marigold cut flower, essential oils, species mushroom and castor oil and other vegetables.

However, to achieve this, the Government is in the process of strengthening and monitoring the liberalisation of markets and facilitating private sector development.

This is being done by strengthening the capacity of agencies handling agricultural products for exports so that the products meet the standards, and sanitary and phytosanitary requirements for export markets.

According to the National Agriculture Policy 2004-2015, the Government would strive to promote and secure access of agriculture products to both local and international markets.

This is would be enhanced through memoranda of understanding the Government has signed with other countries including Brazil, France, South Africa and Malaysia.

Recently, the Government reviewed the Livestock and Animal Act to ensure the industry achieved the maximum benefits.

Strengthening and facilitating the provision of agricultural services to increase productivity particularly among small-scale farmers who are the majority will continue to be harnessed.

The facilitating accessibility to land for agriculture and development of infrastructure in potentially productive agricultural areas is one of priorities on the agriculture development agenda.

The Government is already working towards achieving the 30 per cent target of allocating land to women.

To ensure sustainable agriculture, the Government will continue promoting sustainable and environmentally sound agriculture practices like conservation farming which already in practice.

Preventing and controlling pest, crop and livestock diseases of national economic importance will be enhanced.

The Government recently procured mobile dip tanks aimed at eradicating livestock diseases that impede beer and its products into the European Union market.

The development and promotion is precision farming to encourage the use of appropriate farming technologies is also on the cards where the Government has removed duty on the importation of farming equipment and machinery.

Strengthening emergency preparedness through early warning and timely and efficient crop forecasting and maintenance of strategic food reserves is under implementation.

The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has embarked on a country-wide rehabilitation of food storage sheds to enhance food security.

The Government will also promote gender equity in resource allocation and access to agriculture services focusing more on women and young farmers.

At least 82 per cent of the 2010 bumper harvest recorded was cultivated by small scale farmers 72 per cent who were women with the support from the Government through the Farmers' Input Support Programme (FISP).