By Lawrence Kabutu
Government through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has contracted Silverline Limited to construct four multimillion grain storage Sheds in Kazungula and Mulobezi districts at a total cost of 870,0d
Mr. MUCHIMBA says for production to be increased there is need to improve market access by linking the rural markets to the Urban markets including other value chains along the way.
He explained that in Kazungula there will be two Bulking Centres to enable farmers sell their crops with a view to promote increased productivity and production.
Mr. MUCHIMBA started that there is a promotion on massive maize production by government as the prize given last year at K280 per 50kilogramme bag is lucrative to engage farmers in increased production.
He was however quick to state that other crops are also important in field crop production stressing that once the construction of Bulking Centres is completed will improve the livelihoods of people in the two districts.
‘’UNDP through the SCRALA Project did award Silverline Limited to construct two Bulking Centre in Kazungula and two bulking centres in Mulobezi, the total contract sum is 870,000 United States Dollars for the Bulking Centres in the two districts,’’ he said.
Mr. MUCHIMBA noted that the production levels in Mulobezi and Kazungula are extremely very good but market is still a challenge stressing that the Bulking Centres will unlock the economic challenges and link the areas to various markets that include value addition and processing.
‘’We want to help the country and the citizens at large to be able to realize their potential through the SCRALA Project as it aims at increasing the resilience of small scale farmers against climate change effects,’’ he said.
Mr. MCUHIMBA reaffirmed that through the funds that come from the Green Climate Fund the SCRALA Project is trying to help farmers to be able to withstand the shocks that come out as a result of climate change.
And Kazungula District Commissioner Elias SIAMIBILA called on the Contractor Silverline Limited to employ local people during the construction of the two multi-million grain storage sheds in Kazungula
Mr. SIAMIBILA noted that Youths above 18 years should be beneficiaries of employment when the works commence.
The District Commissioner pointed out that 100 percent of the activities in Kazungula district are mainly in Agriculture hence need for the Bulking Centres to be constructed.
He paid tribute to the Green Climate Fund, UNDP, and SCRALA Project for diverse agricultural alternative livelihood projects noting that Kazungula has another newly handed over multi-million Bulking Centre at Kabuyu.
In Zambia Agriculture plays a key role of supporting industries by the production of the required raw materials , producing exportable agricultural goods, generating employment particularly in rural areas, as well as providing food stuffs essential for the sustenance of acceptable nutrition standards and levels.
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