Diversify, Mkushi farmers urged
have been advised to embrace crop diYersification instead of concentrating on maize and redeeming fertiliser inputs.
MNushi 'istrict Council chairman (vans %walya said this when he officiated at the commemoration of ,nternational Cooperative 'ay held at Farmers Training Centre FTC in MNushi. Mr %walya advised farmers to consider other options in the agricultural sector.
+e said the move was to be done so as to broaden the agriculture base and enhance crop diversification.
³May , taNe this opportunity to inform the gathering that last season, we as MNushi district experienced drought in the months of 'ecember and January Must liNe many other districts in Zambia.
³This happened as a result of climate change worldwide. Therefore, , wish to urge you to practice conservation farming and crop diversification to minimise risNs related to farming activities,³ Mr. %walya said. Mr. %walya revealed that about 1 ,800 farmers benefitted from government subsidised Farmer ,nput Support Programme F,SP through the ( voucher distribution exercise last season.
And acting 'istrict Agriculture Coordinator 'ACO PatricN Mutale expressed disappointment with the low turnout of cooperatives.
+e said the number did not even represent one third of members.
Mr. Mutale however appealed to farmers to verify their details during the verification exercise as well as pay membership fees to their cooperatives, to avoid unnecessary problems.
SpeaNing earlier, farmers representative *odfrey Mupindo appealed to *overnment to incorporate new farmers left out on the previous ( voucher system under F,SP.
Meanwhile MNushi farmers have been advised to Moin cooperatives to ensure they benefit from agricultural programmes initiated by government.
FiNosa Multipurpose Cooperative Society proMects director PatricN LuNwesa made appeal in an interview.
Mr. LuNwesa said there was need for small but vibrant farmers to Moin cooperatives so that they could benefit from agro government programmes.
+e said Moining cooperatives would maNe it easy for government to plan for various programmes and farmers themselves to easily access inputs under the Fertili]er ,nput Support Programme F,SP .
Mr. LuNwesa, who is an agriculturalist, further appealed to farmers to diversify into other ventures so as to have enough material for the targeted value addition and create profitability on all cycles of operations.