Minister predicts  bumper harvest  in Luapula

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 14:55:51 +0000

 By SIMON MUNTEMBA

HIGH-PERFORMING crops sampled following our random inspection of farmlands in Mansa is a clear indication that Luapula Province is headed for another bumper harvest, Luapula Province Minister Nickson Chilangwa has predicted.

Mr Chilangwa who is PF Kawambwa Central law maker said he was impressed with crop growth adding that he was convinced the province will record yet another bumper harvest this year.

He told the Daily Nation that not even delays in implementing E-voucher programme has hindered farmers in Luapula from growing crops.

Mr Chilangwa disclosed that he was accompanied by officials from department of agriculture when he conducted a random inspection of farmlands in Mansa.

The Provincial Minister said he was impressed with the quality of crop growth in most fields they visited.

He also disclosed that he took time to interact with small scale farmers in Mansa’s Fiyongoli area and that he was happy to learn that farmers were not deterred by delayed e-voucher farmer Input Support Programme to grow crops.

“I took time to interact with small scale farmers who have told me that with or without FISP/e-voucher they always grow crops unhindered as any support from government is just a top up on their efforts.

“I am the happiest man because what I saw in most fields shows that our Province will record yet another bumper harvest. This is the most important thing,” said Mr Chilangwa.

He said it was gratifying that farmers in Luapula were unhindered from growing crops despite hiccups in the implementation of the e-voucher programme.