By SANFROSSA MANYINDA
SMALL-SCALE farmers in Luanshya should double their productivity through new farming methods and maximising the support which Government has continued to offer, Mayor Nathan Chanda has said.
However, Mr Chanda said he was impressed with the number of households engaging in farming activities in the district.
Mr Chanda was speaking when he officiated at the Luanshya West Farmers Field Day in Roan Constituency.
He said this had drastically increased over the years in line with Government’s call to diversify the national economy from mining dependence to agriculture dependence.
“It is important for farmers to acquire knowledge to prepare for each farming season apart from learning about latest developments in agricultural advancements.
“We thank the government for helping to improve the wellbeing of small-scale farmers by giving the support through the Farmers Input Support Programme (FISP) , apart from empowering women and youths agriculture cooperatives among others,” he said.
Mr Chanda said Government was aware of the growing challenges of climate change, hence, putting in place policies and projects that encouraged small scale irrigation.
The mayor added that he was impressed with the hard work from the young farmers and pledged to financially support them to attain tertiary education.
Mr Chanda appealed to the unemployed youths to venture into farming and take advantage of various Government empowerment facilities readily available to help innovative and enterprising youths to realise their dreams.
And Luanshya District Agricultural Officer, Misheck Jere, said Government wanted to see farmers completely diversify from mining to agriculture as projects of improving the agriculture sector can be seen by all.
