Agro sector lacks investment

Sat, 03 Jun 2017 12:36:49 +0000

By PRINCE CHIBAWAH 

THE agriculture sector in Zambia is lacking adequate investment to influence the growth of the country’s economy, says Agriculture Minister Dora Siliya.

And Ms. Siliya said although over 70 percent of Zambians depended on agriculture for economic survival, the sector had not received the required investment.

She was speaking yesterday during the University of Zambia (UNZA) School of Agricultural sciences awards held at the University’s main campus in Lusaka.

“The agriculture sector requires adequate investment in order to contribute more to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of our country.

“You can’t do agro processing, for instance, without adequate electricity, proper infrastructure or well-trained staff.

“We also need to do more research to respond to the challenges affecting the agricultural sector,” she said.

 Ms. Siliya further bemoaned lack of proper infrastructure and researchers in the agriculture sectors.

She further urged the private sector to take advantage of the conducive environment created by Government to venture into agro businesses.

“My government has created an enabling environment for the private sector participation. I am appealing to you all to stop taking agriculture as a sector meant only for the poor. Let’s take it as business so that we can create numerous jobs and wealth for our country,” said Ms Siliya.

And UNZA vice chancellor Professor Luke Mumba stressed the need to address the challenges facing the University’s School of Agricultural Sciences.

Prof. Mumba said the school was currently using obsolete training equipment.

“We are also faced with the challenge of both teaching and office space,” said Prof. Mumba.