Govt cementing food supply chain

The Ministry of Agriculture is collaborating with the Ministry of Commerce , Trade and Industry to ensure that the Food Supply Chain in the country is not disrupted , Minister of Agriculture Micheal Katambo . Speaking when he received a donation of K135,000 worth of face masks consignment from Seedco at his office yesterday , Mr Katambo called on farmers to take advantage and increase their production to meet their increasing demand particularly for fruits and vegetables . And Seedco Board chairman, Chance Kabaghe said that his company decided to donate masks because the entire ministry was made up of essential workers. He noted that just like Ministry of Health frontline workers, extension officers also required protective wear as they went about their work in the field. Mr Katambo noted that just as President Edgar Lungu has directed , Government has adopted a multi sectoral approach in the fight against COVID-19 which had seen all and Government agencies working as a team. The Minister applauded SEEDCO for joining the fight and making timely generous donations to the Ministry. “We are in this fight together, and this gesture is clear indication of our togetherness to end the COVID-19. Let me also continue to encourage others in the Agriculture sector to emulate SEED CO and come forward to support Government effort to end the spread of COVID-19 virus ,” Mr Katambo said . And Mr Katambo said that his Ministry working with the Ministry of Commerce trade and industry would ensure all necessary agricultural inputs such as fertilizer and agrochemicals were in place for the next agricultural season. “The total fertilizer required under the Farmer Support Input Program (FISP), 80 percent of Compound D and 50 percent of Urea is already in the country,” he said . The Ministry is working with input suppliers to ensure all inputs are in the country and distributed to the farmers in time before the next planting season . Mr Katambo said that his Ministry would ensure that the next crop harvest especially the staple crop maize was secured and the Country ‘s Food security was guaranteed until the 2021 season.