GOVERNMENT has handed over 145 motorbikes

By Chintu Malambo  GOVERNMENT has handed over 145 motorbikes to the department of agriculture for extention officers in all the districts. Speaking when he commissioned the motorbikes at the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) at the Mt Makuru research station, Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo said the motorbikes are meant to enable extention officers reach farmers and advice them on the right agronomic practices Mr Mtolo noted that transport for extention services has been a challenge thereby hindering extention services to remote areas. He however, cautioned the users against misusing the motorbikes for their personal use. Meanwhile, a representative for the extension officers, Mr Mark Mpofu said the handover of the motorbikes was a demonstration of governments commitment to improve the agricultural sector. Mr Mpofu said the motorbikes will enable the extention officers improve extention services and enable them reach farmers in remote areas and that this will ultimately contribute to increased productivity, food security and poverty reduction. Ends/CM/PIX