30 June 2009
SOLWEZI should diversify its economic development to avoid economic decline after mining companies cease operations, District Commissioner (DC), Albert Chifita has said.
Speaking at the district agricultural, industrial and commercial show at the weekend, Mr Chifita urged farmers to work hard and overcome economic challenges that might arise after mining ends.
"While embracing the development that has been brought about by the mining industries, it is cardinal to continue to diversify in all aspects of economic development so as not to experience an economic dwindle after the mines reduce production or close operations," he said.
Saying agriculture should be the number one sector in North-Western Province followed by tourism and then mining, he said the impact experienced due to the fall in global copper prices could have been avoided if agriculture had been taken as priority number one.
"I wish to urge you and the whole farming fraternity to diversify your economic activities and start farming as a business so that you can live to the challenges of today's economic situations," Mr Chifita said.
He said the Government was aware of the problems farmers were facing in marketing produce ranging from low producer prices and poor road infrastructure to poor storage sheds.
"I am happy to mention here that the Government is considering some of these problems within its budgetary allocations," he said.
Mr Chifita said this year alone, Solwezi had received nine agricultural assistants and three veterinary assistants, a thing which he said had never happened in recent past.
He said the Government through the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) had opened seven satellite depots in the district as a solution to the marketing problems faced last year.
Show society chairman, Ken Kangomu said the farmers in the district were finding it difficult to increase their yields due to a number of challenges including lack of equipment.
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