12 August 2009
THE construction of additional storage sheds for the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) under the Chinese concession loan has begun with the Government assuring that it will develop agriculture sector.
The US $11 million construction programme would see the construction of eight modern storage facilities that would accommodate more than 100,000 tonnes of maize in different parts of Zambia.
Agriculture and Co-operatives Minister, Brian Chituwo, said at the ground breaking ceremony of the first shed in Kapiri Mposhi on Monday that the storage facilities were crucial for Zambia as it had continued to record maize surplus in the recent years.
Dr Chituwo said providing market access to small-scale farmers through improved storage facilities was a unique opportunity for the rural populace to become an integral part of the realisation of the country's vision 2030.
"This is because of the critical role that Zambia's agriculture sector plays in the economy. By harnessing the rural population through completing the value for their marketed surplus, food and income security is enhanced on a sustainable basis," he said.
The minister said apart from generating up to 20 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), the agriculture sector provided for the livelihoods for more than 50 per cent of the country's population.
The sector was also the main source of income and employment more rural women who constituted 65 per cent of the total rural population. Dr Chituwo said in the last few years, Zambia had recorded surplus in food production due to favourable agriculture policies and favourable weather contributed to poverty reduction.
He called on the Chinese development partners and others to work close with the Government in the infrastructure development project with a positive multiplier effect on vulnerable small-scale farmers.
FRA board chairman, Costain Chilala said the availability of adequate and quality storage facilities in production and consumption areas was vital in reducing crop wastage and costs on transportation.
Mr Chilala said the agency had in the past years lost some maize grain because of poor storage facilities which was in form of open slabs.
In addition to storing maize and other produce, the sheds would also serve as conduits for inputs such as fertiliser and seed and thereby completing the agro value chain for the farmer. Earlier, Camco International vice president, Peng Jiping said the company was committed to completing the project next year, which was the stipulated time frame.
Mr Peng hoped that the cooperation between the FRA and his company would continue to strengthen in order to contribute to the modern method of agriculture.
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