By NATION REPORTER
FORMER Southern Province Minister Edify Hamukale has proposed that government should consider a second allocation of seeds and fertilizer to the Northern half of the country given the disparity in rainfall distribution between the North and Southern half of Zambia.
[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”4,5,6″ ihc_mb_template=”2″ ]
And Dr Hamukale has anticipated water shortages for both livestock and humans in 2024 due to the effects of the El nino dry weather conditions.
Dr. Hamukale who is also an agriculture professional says given the disparity in rainfall distribution between the northern and southern halves of Zambia, government must consider a second allocation of seeds and fertilizers to farmers in the North.
He says this strategic move aims to cover the anticipated crop production deficit in the south, especially in valley areas where the El Niño climatic factor holds more significance.
Dr .Hamukale argues that this approach would be more cost-effective than a potential national food disaster response, which might involve importing grains and incurring significant logistics costs.
He says by proactively supporting farmers in the north, the government could contribute to a more balanced food supply across the country.
And Dr .Hamukale has urged the government to consider embarking on water harvesting activities in the southern half of Zambia in anticipation of the water shortages for both livestock and humans in 2024.
[/ihc-hide-content]
