STATE TOLD TO INCREASE FUNDING TO AGRICULTURE

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 14:04:49 +0000

By Mukosela Kasalwe

THE 2018 national budget should allocate more resources to the agriculture sector to accelerate the diversification process as a key area of social and economic development, says Democratic Assembly president Maxwell Mwamba.

Mr Mwamba said his party was aware of the competing demands of various sectors of the economy but implored Government to prioritise the agriculture sector and allocate more funds through the 2018 national budget.

He said agriculture had a multiplier effect in industrialisation through value addition and foreign exchange through the export of agriculture produce.

In an interview yesterday with Daily Nation, Mr Mwamba said there was an error of judgement by previous governments in prioritising agriculture because Zambia had fertile soils, plenty of water and a conducive climate but the sector had not been fully exploited.

Mr Mwamba expressed hope that the 2018 national budget would prioritise the agriculture sector to drive the diversification process and stop overdependence on mining.

‘‘The Democratic Assembly is desirous that the government allocates more resources in the agriculture sector, as a party we are aware that there are competing demands by various sectors of the economy,

‘‘In order to drive the diversification process and move away from overdependence on copper, agriculture has a multiplier effect in industrialisation through value addition and foreign exchange earnings,’’ Mr Mwamba said.

He said the agriculture sector would offer numerous employment opportunities and income creation to the local people.