14 May 2008
editorial
Ndola — ECONOMIC success for any given society depends largely on solid policies, especially in the field of agriculture.
That is why governments the world over pay particular attention to agriculture which is a sure avenue to increased food production and alleviating poverty.
It is through sound agricultural policies that Zambia has in the last two years recorded positive gains in food production.
This year alone, Zambia recorded a maize surplus of 143,000 tonnes.
Although this was lower than the 250,000 tonnes in surplus maize recorded last year, it showed that Zambia is food secure and is on the right track.
Despite these gains, we feel this is not the time for Zambian food producers to sit on their laurels.
They must strive to do even better and room for improvement is there as advised by Energy and Water Development Deputy Minister, Gladys Lundwe, yesterday.
Opening the Masaiti District Agriculture and Commercial Show at Masangano in Ndola Rural, Ms Lundwe urged small-scale farmers to embrace new farming technologies and diversify for them to maximise food production.
While new technologies lead to increased food production and profits for the farming communities, diversification equally has rewarding benefits.
Gains come in form of job creation, income generation as well as sustainable industrial development.
However, history has taught us that nature is unpredictable and a good run in the agricultural sector in one season could be tipped over the following year.
The unpredictable character of nature is the reason why farmers must learn to diversify and look beyond maize production.
There are several other crops that can sustain farmers besides just maize production.
Cassava, groundnuts, tobacco, cotton and fruits lie unexploited and these sectors are largely untapped, yet they have potential to earn farmers and the country a lot of money.
There is also no reason why Zambia should continue to import fruits from other countries when the enthusiasm for food production is there and in abundance.
Zambia has favourable weather conditions for producing all kinds of fruits and exploit markets in neighbouring countries including Europe.
This will only be tenable if farmers heed Ms Lundwe's advice to embrace new farming technologies as well as go beyond maize production.
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