Zambia, Burundi strengthen agricultural ties with focus on seed trade, climate-smart farming

Zambia and Burundi have reaffirmed their commitment to developing sustainable agricultural partnerships aimed at benefiting farmers and agribusinesses in both countries.

The two nations have also agreed to establish technical working groups to operationalise areas of cooperation and facilitate regular exchanges of agricultural expertise.

This commitment was made during bilateral talks in Lusaka on Tuesday between Burundi’s Minister of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock, Prosper Dodiko, and Zambia’s Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, John Mulongoti.

According to a statement issued by Ministry of Agriculture Principal Public Relations Officer, Bhalewa Zyuulu, the high-level meeting focused on strengthening collaboration in agriculture and livestock development.

Key areas of discussion included enhancing cooperation in seed trade, agricultural technology transfer, livestock management, and climate-smart farming practices.

During the meeting, Mulongoti noted that Zambia remained a major seed supplier in the region and across Africa and aimed to scale up production and exports in the coming years.

“This is due to our robust seed production systems, favorable climatic conditions, and strong regulatory framework provided by the government,” he said.

Mulongoti added that Zambia’s seed exports continue to play a critical role in regional food and nutrition security.

“Zambia is working toward achieving the Presidential target of producing 10 million metric tonnes of maize, 1 million metric tonnes of wheat, and 1 million metric tonnes of soybeans annually by 2027,” he said.

He said the production targets were aligned with the goals outlined in the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP).

In response, Dodiko praised the Zambian government for its continued support and facilitation of seed exports to Burundi, describing it as a strong demonstration of regional solidarity and commitment to cross-border food security.

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.