REFORM AGRO SECTOR, HH TOLD
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema and his government should take necessary steps to reform the agriculture sector to enable it mitigate the economic and social challenges the country is facing. Small-Scale Farmer’s Development Agency (SAFADA) director Boyd Moobwe has said.
Mr Moobwe said the agriculture sector has not performed to expectations during the previous government because it was highly politicised.
He said small-scale farmers have lagged behind because of poor policy direction and policy implementation strategy
“The Ministry of Agriculture was operating under stress due to poor budget allocation and weak administrative capacity which led to limited performance.
“It is imperative to note that bad agricultural policies are fuelling poverty levels among small-scale farmers and the rural population if not well checked and balanced.
“The UPND government should not just focus on fertiliser to bring it down from K800 per 50kg to K250 per 50kg which is practically impossible, but should address all the economic and social challenges facing smallscale farmers,” Mr Moobwe said.
He observed that smallscale farmers have been operating under stress due to poor access to productive resources and support system alluding to high levels of poverty.
Mr Moobwe explained that the Ministry of Agriculture was also operating with limited resources and under command.
He also advised the incoming government to help resolve and settle land wrangles in Chisamba and other parts of the country to bring back harmony.
Mr Moobwe said Government should redefine and reform the roles of the private and public sector in the economy and agriculture sector in terms of consensus and institutional capacity to facilitate consistent delivery of essential products and services to the farming community.
He advised that the reforms must allow the agriculture sector to operate as a business entity and become self-sustaining to reduce sector dependence on national budget allocation to finance rural enterprises.
“The supply response to the agriculture sector must be checked and reformed in order to determine the direction and impact of the commodity and reforms.