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The Zambian government has called for increased investment in agricultural research and technology to boost crop productivity and production, particularly among smallholder farmers.
Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary, John Mulongoti, said no meaningful growth can be achieved without the adoption of appropriate technologies and enabling factors to support farming activities.
Speaking during the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) Open Annual Field Day in Chilanga on Thursday, Mulongoti assured farmers of the Ministry’s commitment to expanding access to improved agricultural technologies.
“Our productivity remains low, especially among smallholder farmers. Through research, we can address key constraints like pest outbreaks, soil degradation, and climate-induced challenges such as droughts and floods,” he said.
Mulongoti said the theme for this year’s Field Day, “Inclusive Economic Transformation Through Increased Agricultural Productivity,” aligns with government goals.
He added that the recently launched Comprehensive Agricultural Transformation Support Programme is part of broader reforms aimed at making agriculture a viable, commercially driven sector.
“This transformation agenda will increase productivity, enhance value addition, generate employment, and stimulate economic growth. Ultimately, it will boost agriculture’s contribution to GDP and position Zambia as a regional breadbasket,” he said.
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