Farmers in Sinda District have praised the government for providing agricultural support.
They say the interventions are helping to enhance production and ensure food security for households, especially for the marginalised.
Dickson Zulu of Tiyopa Kaloyi group in Chataika camp says government has delivered in ensuring that farmers in the district were active and participating in changing the social economic status of Sinda.
Mr Zulu cited initiatives such as the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP), the Food Security Pack (FSP) programme and other climate smart agricultural practices that government was equipping farmers and vulnerable households with to major factors in the district’s major production activities.
“We have seen a big change in our yields from the support that government has been rendering to us, inputs were delivered early and that’s why we are able to showcase our high harvest, with the knowledge that we receive from our camp officers to ensure that we produce quality products that are not only for consumption but for sale as well.” Said Mr Zulu.
The farmer has since called on government to continue supporting farmers and the vulnerable in the district in order to explore Sinda’s economic potential through the agricultural sector.
Meanwhile, government in Sinda District has urged farmers to embrace trade and investment as a way for communities to actively participate in economic activities that promote growth, employment creation and poverty reduction.
Acting Sinda District Commissioner (DC) Stephen Tembo who was speaking during this year’s district agricultural show held over the weekend said agriculture was no longer just about growing food but about business, trade, industrial growth and wealth creation.
Mr Tembo said government remained committed to implementing Programmes aimed at empowering farmers and small-scale businesses.
“Making investment in agriculture means increased productivity, improved access to technology and expanded markets for farmers and businesses.” He said.
He urged district stakeholders to create an environment that encourages local and external investment in Sinda and further encouraged farmers to view agriculture as a business and engage in productions that generate income that will in turn improve household welfare.
Mr Tembo added that value addition and increased productivity of quality produce will benefit farmers if they move from primary production to processing for better market targets.
He reminded farmers to practice smart agriculture as climate change continues to challenge agricultural productivity for food security and ensuring attraction for investors and traders.
