ERNEST SIMFUKWE
THE Government through the Ministry of Agriculture has empowered 20 extension officers with motor bikes in Choma district, Southern province.
Choma District Senior Agricultural Officer Mabvuto Phiri said the officers who were given motorbikes are expected to improve their field performance and enhance contact with farmers, which is expected to improve farmers’ production capacities.
“These motorbikes will improve field officers’ mobility unlike previously when their coverage to service farmers was limited,” Mr Phiri said.
He appealed to government to consider buying more motorbikes to ensure all field officers effectively execute their field activities.
One of the beneficiaries, Brian Ng’andu, who is also an Agriculture Supervisor for Batoka Agricultural Block, said he has been working for 16 years without any means of mobility.
“Supervising camp extension officers has been a challenge without a motorbike. Sometimes, I would walk or hire a motorbike just to supervise officers in my agricultural block. This motorbike will be useful in providing extension delivery in my camp area,” Mr Ng’andu said.
Block Extension Officer Mary Muyangana, who has been working for 10 years without proper means of movement has appreciated the government for this development, noting that extension staff can now effectively facilitate at meetings and supervise camp extension officers regularly. –NAIS
