Exploit cassava other than maize, farmers told

DIVERSIFYING into cassava as a cash crop is a good money spinner that small scale farmers should turn to instead of depending on maize which now seems not profitable, the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) has said.

In an interview, ZARI technical research officer Levy Kaniembo said with the falling maize price in Zambia, it was imperative for farmers to venture into cassava growing which he said was more profitable.

Mr Kaniembo said farmers should consider cultivating cassava for them to realise value of their hard work.

“The last price of maize was really a mockery to farmers and I think it is important for them to venture into cassava production, which is more profitable. The price of cassava is over K100 for a 50 kilogram bag while that of maize is now K60.

“One does not need to have a lot of money to venture into cassava production, it's cheaper than maize growing, which requires expensive inputs. Besides, cassava is climate tolerant and it can survive with little rainfall,” observed Mr. Kaniembo

He noted that cassava was not only a source of vitamin A, but also a major staple food crop in Zambia.

Mr Kaniembo added that cassava could be grown alone or mixed with other crops without complications.

Meanwhile, the Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) says it is encouraged by President Edgar Lungu’s timely advice to farmers and consumers to consider other crops apart from maize which is the country’s staple food.

CSPR executive director, Patrick Nshindano, said the organisation was encouraged by Mr Lungu’s observation that Zambia was grappling with high malnutrition levels among under five children and effects of climate change.

Mr Nshindano said given the high level of support from the Head of State, the Ministry of Agriculture should act on his call as a policy direction.

He said key immediate policy actions should include development of an integrated crop strategy to guide the ministry and other stakeholders’ implementation of the crop diversification agenda in the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP); and the Second National Agricultural Policy.

“Citizens are also urged to explore other substitutes of maize such as millet and cassava, as well as get back to eating more traditional and healthy foods to accelerate efforts towards curbing undernourishment and obesity,” Mr. Nshindano said.

Mr Nshindano said CSPR and its partners would continue to promote work in advancing sustainable and diversified food production.

He hoped the move would not only contribute to people’s well-being but also accelerate economic growth.