Government helps farmers nd ma s

GOVERNMENT has created various platforms aimed at helping farmers find markets for their produce, Minister of Agriculture Michael Katambo has said.

Mr Katambo said Government could only help and not intervene in sourcing markets for the farmers.

Zambia was a liberalised economy and farmers were free to sell their produce anywhere they were offered a competitive prices.

He cited the Agribusiness Department, farmers training centres and the National Agriculture Information Service (NAIS) as some of the platforms aimed at helping the farmers to find markets.

“We have all the platforms in place that give farmers information on what is trending and who is offering what. Not only that; we have these training programmes in place where farmers share what they can grow and good farming practices,” Mr Katambo said.

“However, Government cannot restrict farmers. Farmers are at liberty to find good markets. We are in a liberalised economy where farmers can sell anywhere or to anybody offering competitive prices,” Mr Katambo said.

He said it was Government’s interest to see farmers produce and sell at a better price.

Government would continue to support local farmers and create opportunities for them to grow, as they were one of the biggest contributors to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“Farmers are our main interest and if they are happy, we as Government are happy too,” he said.

Mr Katambo also recognised the efforts made by the private sector for the well-being of farmers in the country.

“Some investors are creating bulking centres to buy from our farmers and those engaged in outgrower schemes on various crop commodities, the concept is based on the private sector. Chain stores are also providing a platform for farmers to sell,” he said.