By 
Agriculture Minister, Reuben Phiri, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing the agricultural transformation agenda through continued reforms and strategic initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth and job creation.
He made these remarks while delivering a speech on behalf of President Hakainde Hichilema on Tuesday at the 49th Session of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Rome, held under the theme “From Farm to Market: Investing with Young Entrepreneurs,” with a focus on the challenges posed by global climate change.
“Zambia is undertaking a comprehensive review of its policy and legal frameworks to foster a more enabling business environment, encourage greater private sector participation, and promote youth-friendly agricultural investment strategies through expanded training and educational opportunities,” Minister Phiri said.
He highlighted the Agriculture Transformation Support Programme, which sought to improve the effectiveness of public expenditure, strengthen social and environmental safeguards, and upgrade infrastructure for production, processing, and trade.
The Minister emphasized that government policies were aligned with specific production targets in key value chains, including the goal of producing 10 million metric tonnes of maize and one million metric tonnes each of soybeans and wheat by 2030.
Addressing the severe drought experienced during the 2023/2024 farming season, Phiri outlined ongoing efforts under the National Irrigation Programme, which aimed to bring 500,000 hectares of land under irrigation.
Read More: Zambia seeks Serbia partnership to close research gaps in energy, agriculture sectors
This initiative includes private sector involvement in developing irrigation schemes, rehabilitating dams, and establishing irrigated farms.
He also underscored progress in training farmers in climate-smart agricultural technologies to enhance resilience and adaptation to climate change.
Furthermore, he reiterated government’s dedication to supporting young entrepreneurs in agro-processing, research, and development.
Recognizing the UN-declared Year of the Woman Farmer, Phiri acknowledged the central role of women in agriculture and called for targeted policy reforms to address persistent gender inequalities.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments