Kick-start distributes 1,000 irrigation pumps

By BUSINESS REPORTER KICK-START International has distributed over 1, 000 irrigation pumps to farmers in Northern region of Zambia in an effort to improve the agricultural production.

Region manager Chunda Chunda said the company had partnered with various stakeholders to ensure the equipment was accessible to as many farmers as possible in Muchinga, Luapula and Northern provinces at a minimal fee.

He was speaking in an interview with the Daily Nation in Lusaka. “We are partnering with stakeholders to improve economic-socio well-being of farmers in the region so that they can be productive all-year round,” Mr Chunda said.

“Over 1,000 farmers are using Money-Maker irrigation solution and their lives are changing. Because our interest is not to sell or to dish out these pumps, our interest is to see that these pumps improve the economic-socio well-being of our people.”

He explained that with such kind of equipment, farmers were able to conduct agricultural activities any time of the year.

“We have got two different types of irrigation pumps that go under the name Money-Maker. As you know irrigation is the way to go and the reason behind is very simple.

“With irrigation you can engage in agricultural activities any time of the year. So this will increase productivity among farmers,” he said.

He said irrigation was key to increasing the production capacity of farmers.

“The pumps will serve you on time, you will also cut on labour. Irrigation is key. And apart from improving the hectarage, even the productivity itself will go up because you are not missing out on anything, you are being productive year in year out.

“So what we do is that when our customers access these pumps after eight to nine months we follow them because there is what we call guarantee book which they sign…then we compile a case study,” Mr Chunda said.