By NOEL IYOMBWA
BEFORE implementing any agriculture project on a large scale basis, there is need for environmental impact assessment to be conducted, Environmental Engineer Charles Sikaona has said.
Engineer Sikaona who is the director for Arc Enviro Consultancy Limited, said that major environmental concerns include air quality, water quality, soil quality, social-economic and cultural studies as well as how to safeguard the agriculture production.
He said that large scale farming activities come with both positive and negative impacts adding that the earlier they are identified the better for crop production business.
Engineer Sikaona stated that baseline studies are also important since the information obtained through assessment will guide a farmer’s decisions for the best crops to grow in the area and also if there are any available methods for making the environment favorable for crops, for example, application of lime for acidic soils.
“The only way these impacts can be identified is by conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
“Conducting soil testing services and seeking consultancy services is the best ways to control any soil and support good yields,” he said.
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