‘Agro-processing key to diversification’

AGRO-PROCESSING has been identified as one of the ventures that will help diversification, economic transformation, and equitable growth in the country.

This is premised on the understanding that agro-processing has greater benefits on society than basic agriculture production.

Speaking during the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) breakfast meeting whose theme was Sustainable Agriculture for Economic Transformation, Sosten Banda said Agro- processing was key in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Mr Banda, an agriculture economist at the National Food nd Nutrtition Commission, explained that if the manufacturing and agro-processing sector grew its contribution to the economy in terms of GDP will be higher than just general agriculture production.

Mr. Banda said that the sector would also help create employment in the country and reduce on the problem of lack of employment.

“Agro-processing has high potential of job creation in Zambia, the country has got a problem of employment this is a sector that we need to be paying attention to, it has that potential and it has been proven so in many countries,” he said.

Mr. Banda explained that the country was also experiencing what was known as trade deficit which meant that Zambia was importing more than it was exporting and the agro-processing had the potential to improve the deficit if heavily invested.

He also mentioned that if the agro processing was given all the attention it needed it would help reduce poverty reduction in the country.

“If people are employed through agro processing, it means income poverty will be reduced they will be able to have some income to meet there basic needs for their families,” Mr Banda said.