The Zambia Ministry of Agriculture has received 2000 metric tonnes of fertilizer from the YARA International a Norwegian Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
Minister of Agriculture Michael Katambo thanked YARA for the donation and mentioned that the donation would go a long way in assisting small scale farmers especially those in the rural areas. He also said the agriculture sector is one of the several sectors that have not been spared by the novel COVID-19.
During a joint press briefing by the Ministry of Agriculture and YARA International, held at Mulungushi House in Lusaka, Mr Katambo stressed that farmers could not grow their farming business due to restrictions enforced on the public.
“On behalf of the President, Edgar Lungu, the people of Zambia, my Ministry and all the would-be beneficiaries, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude towards this generous and timely donation,” Mr Katambo stated.
Mr Katambo has assured that the input will be distributed among the intended beneficiaries through the Conservation Farming Unit (CFU).
“May the recipients of these inputs, therefore, count it as a rare privilege to be among those few who have been chosen as beneficiaries. To all the implementers, ensure that the donations are channeled to the intended beneficiaries as the government will not allow any malpractices towards this gift,” Katambo stated.
YARA hopes that the fertilizer contribution will triple maize production and feed more than one million people across Africa.
