BRAZIL, ZAMBIA SEAL DEAL TO BOOST COTTON INDUSTRY

ZAMBIA and Brazil have signed a US$1.6 million bilateral project to support the country’s cotton sector.

The agreement is aimed at strengthening the cotton value chain in Zambia, improve the productivity and quality of the commodity.

The project is expected to create new job opportunities and improve the livelihoods of thousands of people who are involved in the cotton industry.

Speaking during the signing ceremony yesterday, Brazilian Ambassador to Zambia, Arthur Henrique Nogueira, said the project will last for 36 months.

He said the project will target approximately 300, 000 farmers to be involved in cotton production.

Mr Nogueira revealed that US$1.6 million has been injected in the project.

He believed that this cooperation will open many doors and future collaboration in other agricultural projects which will help Zambia improve its agricultural productivity and food security.

At the same function, Agriculture Minister, Reuben Mutolo Phiri, expressed optimism that this cooperation will bring new life to the cotton sector which for many years has failed to realise its full potential.

Mr Phiri stressed that this project will increase the competitiveness of the country’s cotton sector by strengthening its technological, institutional and technical capacities.

The project, he said, will help in the implementation of activities that contribute to boosting the production of quality cotton in traditional and new cotton producing zones and improving infrastructure at selected research units across the country.