‘ICT key in farming’

TIMELY sharing of information on new technologies that help farmers to make good decisions is key in ensuring agricultural production for improved household incomes, food security and nutrition security, Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo has said.

Mr Katambo was speaking in a speech read by Central Province Permanent secretary Bernard Chomba at this year's seed fair being held at The Golden Valley Agriculture Research Trust (GART) in Chisamba under the theme "Technology Diversity In A Changing Environment".

Mr Katambo said Government was pleased that the fair has come at an opportune time when farmers in the country were about to start planting for the 2020/2021 farming season.

He said the fair was important as it was going to equip the farmers and ensure that they are exposed to new and improved Agricultural innovations.

He said Government has the mandate to ensure that the country achieve the vision 2030 and the core objective of the Seventh National Development Plan.

"The seed fair is therefore in line with the broad theme of the 7NDP which underscores creation of a diversified and resilient economy for sustained growth and social-economic transformation through Agriculture," he said.

Mr Katambo also said Government was aware of the negative impact caused by the effects of climate change. ove national food security. And GART Board of trustees chairman Benson Chishala said GART will continue closely following Government pronouncements on Agriculture in recognizing that sector was one of the key drivers for economic development in the country.