…Pollen says this is the right Step Towards Sustainable Recovery
Lusaka, – Zambia24 (28-06-2024) – The Government has allocated a total $20 million towards drought relief efforts, a significant boost to mitigate the devastating impact of drought in the nation.
Gabriel Pollen, National Coordinator at the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), expressed gratitude for the $20 million allocation towards drought relief efforts, a significant boost to mitigate the devastating impact of drought in the nation.
This funding, part of international drought relief efforts, aims to provide immediate food assistance and bolster long-term resilience.
The government has already distributed over 44,000 metric tons of food as part of its proactive approach to implementing the drought relief plan, aimed at saving lives and laying the foundation for a more resilient ecosystem.
To mitigate dependence on erratic weather patterns, Pollen outlined ambitious plans in the agricultural sector, including installing 2,000 boreholes, rehabilitating existing dams, and constructing new ones to effectively manage water resources.
The government is also targeting 11,000 small-scale farmers with support for cashew inputs to boost productivity and resilience in agriculture, empowering farmers to withstand future droughts and improve food security.
Pollen urged continued collaboration and support from international partners, NGOs, and local communities to sustain these efforts, affirming that together, they can build a more resilient agricultural sector and ensure no one is left behind in the quest for sustainable development.
Zambia’s Minister of Agriculture, Ruben Mtolo Phiri, revealed ambitious plans to transform the nation’s agricultural landscape at the USAID Africa Trade and Investment Activity launch.
Speaking from the ETG Fertilizer Blending Plant, Minister Phiri outlined key strategies for agricultural sustainability, emphasizing soil mapping’s critical role in optimizing fertilizer utilization across Zambia’s diverse agro-ecological zones.
Minister Phiri announced a comprehensive nationwide soil mapping initiative, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization, to tailor fertilizer types to specific localities, enhancing agricultural productivity nationwide.
He also highlighted the government’s proactive measures to support farmers, including comprehensive insurance coverage under the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP) and initiatives like the Sustainable Cattle Financing Facility (SURF) and enhanced credit access to mitigate financial risks associated with crop failure.
While acknowledging challenges like groundwater depletion, Minister Phiri reaffirmed the government’s focus on balancing irrigation needs with sustainable water management practices, emphasizing efficient water source harnessing and exploring alternative sources like rivers and lakes.
He lauded Zambia’s fertilizer production capacity, citing the ETG Fertilizer Blending Plant and United Capital Fertilizer as pivotal to national food security efforts, and emphasized the government’s support for local fertilizer producers through preferential contracts.
Duncan Payne, Commercial and Marketing Manager of Exporting and Trading Group (ETG), has launched innovative fertilizers that prioritize soil health and crop productivity in Zambia.
ETG’s approach stands out for its commitment to sustainability and efficacy, incorporating organic matter and essential nutrients like molasses to enhance soil nutrition and optimize nutrient delivery.
While concerns about soil acidity have surfaced, Payne acknowledges these challenges and is collaborating with soil chemistry experts to address them comprehensively.
ETG offers over 100 tailored fertilizer blends to cater to diverse soil compositions and crop requirements, leveraging advanced technologies like satellite data for precise application and minimizing environmental impact.
ETG’s state-of-the-art production facilities, overseen by Payne, operate with precision and efficiency, ensuring consistent high-quality fertilizers that meet industry standards.
With an annual distribution capacity of 140,000 tons across Zambia, ETG’s initiative supports both large-scale commercial farms and smallholder farmers, promoting equitable access to essential nutrients for sustainable agricultural growth.
Under Payne’s leadership, ETG sets a benchmark in agricultural innovation in Zambia, prioritizing sustainability, soil health, and precision in nutrient delivery.
ETG’s efforts address current agricultural challenges and lay a robust foundation for long-term agricultural prosperity in Zambia, contributing to food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability for generations to come.