By Kalata News
Lusaka November 7, 2024 – FARMERS belonging to the Zambia National Farmers Union were in Lusaka at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in November for their 118th Congress.
The farmers were represented to the Congress by their district farmer associations (DFAs), specialised agriculture associations and agribusinesses.
The Guest of Honour was the Republican President, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema. Other notable invited guests included the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock, Mr. Reuben Mtolo Phiri, Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Mr. Collins Nzovu, Minister of Labour and Social Security, Ms. Brenda Tambatamba, Minister of Transport, Mr. frank Tayali and the Lusaka Province Minister Ms. Sheal Mulyata.
The Congress was sponsored by United Capital Fertilizer, Corteva Agriscience Pannar Seed Zambia, CAMCO Equipment Zambia Limited
Among the issues discussed at the Congress included the need for Agribusiness and farmers to partner in improving production and processing of agricultural products in Zambia.
Giving an example of how Zambia Sugar has partnered with sugarcane growers, President Hichilema said when big farmers help small farmers to grow better and grow more, the sum total of production in the country increases. He said this helped the big farmers to produce more by buying from small farmers to meet their commercial needs.
He emphasised sharing of technology, research and capital in ensuring there is improved quality.
He said a joint ventures and partnership between farmers and Agribusiness that guarantees purchase of agreed amounts and at agreed prices helps solve the seasonal worry of farmers of prices steeping low there by causing them losses.
He urged farmers to revolutionalise farming and work together to grow more, process more and ensure there is national food security.
“One season of drought should not be the reason we go hungry,” he said.
The 118th ZNFU Congress was held at Lusaka’s Mulungushi Conference and was supported by.
The President hoped pending issues affecting the farmers will be resolved before the congress ended so the farmers and Government work as one team in growing the agriculture sector.
