AGRO SECTOR GROWTH OUR BABY - ZNFU
By BUSINESS REPORTER THE Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) has urged farmers to widen their knowledge and adopt the diversification agenda in order to further develop the agricultural sector.
ZNFU President Jervis Zimba said agriculture was key in the development trajectory, hence the imperative need to accelerate diversification.
Mr Zimba was speaking during the 2018 Agritech expo launch held in Lusaka yesterday whose theme is: “Resilience part of Zambian nature: applauding every step towards modernisation of Zambia agriculture”.
More than 270 local and international agriculture exhibitors will participate in th Agritech expo which will take place from April 12th to 14.
Mr Zimba encouraged farmers to participate in the expo even after having challenges in this year’s farming season.
“As ZNFU we are in the process of producing a marshal plan for short term, medium term and long term agriculture plan that if adopted could propel the sector to a whole new level,” he said.
Mr Zimba said farmers have already set the tone in agriculture development and was committed to adopt the diversification agenda.
He said already some farmers have started growing blueberries macadamia nuts and other cash crops.
Mr Zimba appealed to the Government’s to support the diversification agenda by giving them incentives that will help yield growth.
And ZNFU acting executive director Ellah Chembe said the expo will cater for emergent, small scale and commercial farmers.
Ms Chembe said the farmers and the agriculture community should attend the expo for knowledge on new agriculture practices.
“This year’s Agritech expo is expected to attract more than 2000 visitors this year and we will feature some 270 local and international agri equipment and services suppliers,” he said.