Research vital in agriculture, says Mushanga

GOVERNMENT attaches great importance to agriculture research and extension in addressing problems of maize production, Central Province Minister Sydney Mushanga said.

Crop knowledge on diversification helped farmers to understand conservation farming to minimise risks involved due to mechanization and modern farming methods which heavily relied on chemicals.

Mr. Mushanga said this during the official opening of Mkushi District Agriculture and Commercial Show held on Friday at the show grounds.

He said the establishment of research stations like the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) in Kabwe district was testimony that Government attached great importance agriculture and research to ensure that the country overcomes the challenges faced in the sector.

He said to make the agriculture sector responsive to the local conditions, Government had proposed decentralisation of research services to the district level to bring their services as close to the farmers as possible.

He implored agriculture extension officers to continue educating more small scale farmers to broaden the agriculture base by practicing crop diversification.

He said crop knowledge on diversification helped farmers to understand conservation farming to minimize risks involved due to mechanization and modern farming methods which heavily relied on chemicals.

“This is in line with the Seventh National Development Plan goal of increasing and diversifying agricultural production and productivity to raise the share of the agro sector’s contribution to Gross Development Production (GDP)

“I am told Mkushi continues to produce substantial amounts of maize seed, wheat, soya beans, Virginia tobacco, popcorn and tomato than any other district in Central Province.

I urge you to continue with this good trend.” Mr. Mushanga said.

He also commended local farmers for combating livestock disease outbreaks. He said it was a plus for the district and the province.