By CEASAR MBEWE
IN a significant stride towards enhancing agricultural trade and fair practices, the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the World Food Programme under ZAMGROW, has conducted a one-day Marketing Development System Approach training in Samfya in Luapula Province.
This initiative, also known as the Three-Tier Aggregation Model programme, is aimed to equip farmers and stakeholders, including Agro-dealers, cooperatives, farmer groups and individual farmers with essential knowledge to facilitate fair and informed trading in agricultural products.
District Marketing Development Officer Simon Sarenje, highlighted the challenges faced by farmers in negotiating, selling, and bargaining for agricultural products on the local market.
Speaking in an interview, Mr Sarenje emphasized the broader scope of the training, targeting not only farmers but also Agro-dealers and various stakeholders.
“This training is designed to emphasize the importance of collaboration in the value-added chain, ensuring fair trade practices,” he stated.
He underlined the significance of addressing challenges in pricing and commodity quality in agricultural products and fostering collaboration among participants to prevent post-harvest losses.
While, District Marketing Development Officer for Lunga Peter Mututa, echoed Mr Sarenje’s sentiments, emphasizing that the training would empower participants to price their agricultural products more strategically, safeguarding them from exploitation.
“The benefits of this training extend beyond selling products; it equips participants to identify and counteract those taking advantage of farmers by purchasing their products at lower prices,” Mr. Lunga’s District Marketing Development Officer said.
Speaking on behalf of farmers, Bwalya Bwalya expressed gratitude to the government for initiating such a programme.
They acknowledged the programme’s potential to help farmers cultivate products that are easily marketable, and contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Product per Capita (GDP).
Participants are optimistic that the newfound knowledge will not only enhance their trading practices but also strengthen the agricultural sector, fostering sustainable growth.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture in Samfya district in Luapula province, has successfully concluded the distribution of inputs to farmers under the Farmer Input Support Programme 2023/2024 farming season.
Confirming the achievement, Mr. Simon Sarenje, the District Marketing Development Officer, emphasized the importance of farmers utilising the distributed inputs as intended and discouraged any attempts to sell them, noting that government was committed to empowering the agricultural community.
“Government is doing the best it can to empower people, and one of the ways is through this program. It’s up to farmers to make good use of this,” Mr. Sarenje stated.
Expressing their gratitude, one of the farmers, Paul Ngandwe, commended the government for the timely distribution of inputs. They pledged to responsibly use the resources provided, promising to adhere to the guidelines set by the District Agriculture Coordinator’s office.
“We are grateful to the government, and we will make sure that we plant on time under the District Agriculture Coordinator’s office,” Mr Ngandwe affirmed.
This successful distribution marks a positive step towards supporting local farmers and ensuring a prosperous farming season in Samfya District. –NAIS
