By 
Vice President Mutale Nalumango has called for increased cassava cultivation to support industrialisation as she officiated the groundbreaking of the US$4 billion Maposa Ethanol Plant in Luanshya, Copperbelt Province.
Addressing traditional leaders ahead of the ceremony on Wednesday, Nalumango urged chiefs in the province to encourage cassava production to ensure steady supply of raw materials to the ethanol plant.
“The government is actively revamping agricultural activities in all existing resettlement areas to boost production and drive economic development,” she said.
Speaking during the ceremony, Nalumango described the project as a game-changer for Zambia’s agro-industrialisation agenda.
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“I am happy that in this model, the raw materials will be sourced directly from smallholder farmers,” she said.
The project is expected to directly empower more than 50,000 farmers through a vibrant and sustainable cassava value chain.
Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo highlighted cassava’s importance, noting it is a critical ingredient in ethanol production.
“The Maposa Ethanol Processing Plant is indeed a game-changer for the people of the Copperbelt and surrounding communities,” Matambo said.
The ethanol plant is being developed by Zhongkai International Limited in partnership with Musika Development Initiative.
Matambo encouraged farmers in Luanshya and neighbouring districts to seize the opportunity presented by the project.
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