EMBRACE NEW BEAN VARIETIES

A SENIOR government official from Zambia Agriculture Research Institute(ZARI) in Misamfu research station has urged small-scale farmers in Zambia to embrace new bean varieties for sustainable development and to respond to adverse effects of climate change.

Speaking in an interview at a field day held at Malashi in Mpika district, acting Chief research officer of region 1 and 2, Kennedy Muimui disclosed that small scale farmers are being empowered with bean varieties that respond to their needs.

Mr Muimui revealed that most of the varieties being rolled out for various markets are being tailored for high yields to increase wealth of the small scale farmers and to respond to adverse effects of climate change such as drought.

He added that these varieties are very lucrative and have ready market within and outside the country, therefore it is ideal for the small scale farmers.

Mr Muimui explained that these bean varieties will make a positive change in their lives, Nutrition status and incomes.

He disclosed that the field day is important for farmers to see the production process and share market information for the 20 varieties which are currently on the market.

Speaking at the same event, which was also graced by Mpika district commissioner, Sampa Muswema, Principal Agriculture Officer Fred Chikuta has revealed that beans production has increased tremendously in Muchinga province since 2013 owing to intervention by ZARI and other cooperating partners.

He explained that small scale farmers should embrace the new bean varieties which will improve their nutrition status and incomes of many especially those in rural areas.

The field day was held under the theme “embracing bean technologies for sustainable economic empowerment in the new normal” and was sponsored by ZARI, University of Zambia through the USAID and Kirkhouse trust of the United Kingdom.-NAIS