By JOSIAH MPOFU
GOVERNMENT has called for 100 percent utilisation of irrigation schemes across the country to boost agricultural productivity.
Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa said government has revamped and established several dams in the country through irrigation schemes, that farmers should quickly take advantage and produce more.
He noted that with issues of climate change, there is need to ensure that farmers produce all year round and improve the country’s food basket.
Mr Kangwa emphasized the need for more Zambians to engage in farming even as little as a lima or hectare to enhance household food and nutrition security.
“Government has focused on revamping and establishing several dams across the 10 provinces of Zambia in order to increase water harvesting methods for improved irrigation. Due to climate change effects such as high temperatures and dry spells affecting crop production, there is need to ensure that farmers produce all year round and improve the country’s food basket,” said Mr Kangwa.
He indicated that in order to achieve government’s agenda of producing 10 million metric tonnes of maize by 2027, farmers should embrace irrigation as it enables cultivation of crops throughout the year.
Mr Kangwa noted that there is also need for stakeholders in the agricultural sector to work together in ensuring that irrigation farming is fully utilised.
“Government, commercial, emergent and smallholder farmers should work together if irrigation farming is to fully gain its full potential,” Mr Kangwa said.
He revealed that government in 2025, has resolved to accelerate its effort in increasing agricultural production as a way of ensuring that every citizen has enough food.
Speaking when he toured the Mwomboshi irrigation scheme in Chisamba district in Central province, Mr Kangwa explained that government has put in place various incentives aimed at encouraging more Zambians to engage in farming.
He however emphasized the need for mind-set change among public service workers in order to realize the country’s development agenda.
Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakampwe has applauded the Defence Force for taking a leading role in enhancing maize production in the country.
Dr Mwanakampwe said the efforts being undertaken by the Defence Force to accelerate crop production is key in guaranteeing accessibility of food by all Zambians.
He affirmed that with full support, the Defence Force is capable of producing enough to carter for the entire country.
Meanwhile, the Zambia Correction Service (ZCS) has cultivated more than 500 hectares of maize at its Mwomboshi farms in Chisamba district in Central Province.
ZCS Commissioner General Frederick Chilikutu said the revamping and establishing of irrigation schemes across the country has played a huge role in enabling the service to expand its production capacity.
He noted that the service has cultivated various crops such as maize, Irish potatoes and onions among others at its several farms across the country due to the government initiative of increasing a number of irrigation schemes. –NAIS
