by Lorna Kanguya
Acting Agriculture Research Officer, ZARI
On the 22nd March 2024, the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) hosted the 2024 National Agriculture Research Field Day themed on “Creating a competitive future through climate smart agriculture technologies.” The event was graced by Her Honour, the Vice President of Zambia, Mrs. Mutale Nalumango, who emphasized the importance of embracing sustainable agricultural practices to address climate change and promote food security.
The Market Oriented Rice Development Project’s (MOReDeP) team showcased its innovative contributions to Zambia’s agricultural landscape. At the forefront were climate-smart technologies including early maturing rice varieties tailored for diverse agro-ecological zones. These advancements promise increased resilience and improved yields amidst climate uncertainties. Additionally, the MOReDeP emphasized mechanization in rice farming, presenting a suite of modern equipment including hand-held walking tractors, planters and combine harvesters. Mechanization not only saves time and labor costs but also boosts productivity to ensures long-term food security. The event provided a good opportunity to engage with farmers and other various stakeholders on enhancement of rice farming by sustainable and innovative agricultural practices.
The event was attended by a number of high-ranking officials including the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Mutolo Phiri and the Provincial Minister of Lusaka Province, Hon. Sheal Mulyata. Such a presence underscores the government’s commitment to agricultural development. MOReDeP’s initiatives align with national priorities, driving collaboration between research institutions and policymakers. As discussions unfolded, optimism permeated the event, signaling a transformative shift towards a more resilient and competitive agricultural sector.
