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By Dorcas Kabuya

Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, has applauded Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) for its continued effort of improving the agriculture sector in the country.
Speaking during the launch of the 2024 National Research Field Day in Chilanga at Mt Makulu Research Station, Mrs Nalumango said the future of farming in Zambia was bright as milestones achieved by research institutes such as ZARI cannot be over emphasised.
“Under the Comprehensive Agricultural Transformation Support Program (CATSP), which your government has embarked on, agricultural research and development is expected to play a key role in the transformative agenda of the sector,” she disclosed.
The Vice President called upon scientists to keep up with the good work they were doing in order to fight the various agricultural challenges faced by the farming community in the sector.
Mrs. Nalumango emphasised the importance of research and development in enhancing agricultural productivity and called for support from the farming community and private sector in sustaining effective service delivery.
She expressed gratitude to development partner institutions for their support and highlighted the importance of field days in promoting climate smart agricultural practices.
“Without adequate investment in appropriate agricultural research and development there can be no improvement in crop productivity and production. We call on the private sector to complement government’s in the research efforts being undertaken by ZARI,” she noted.
Mrs. Nalumango concluded by encouraging youths to take advantage of the various government grants and loans to venture into agriculture stating that youths were better placed to because they were enlightened and can create their own jobs.
And Agriculture Minister, Reuben Phiri Mtolo, said scientific & technological advances were key in seeing the agriculture sector prosper and flourish.
He said his Ministry was very aware that of the experienced during the 2023/2024 farming season describing it as one of the worst droughts that the country had seen in the last 40 years.
The Minister, however, reassured the nation that the government was implementing interventions to mitigate the current crisis, emphasising that it was being addressed with the urgency it deserved.
“I am aware of the severe impact of the ongoing drought in the country, which has resulted in widespread crop failure and has affected millions of people across multiple provinces. We commend the government for implementing a multifaceted emergency response plan aimed at safeguarding livelihoods and the environment,” he remarked.
The Minister further urged researchers to respond to the call for innovative solutions to address the impact of climate change on agriculture, emphasising the critical role of research in safeguarding food security and promoting sustainable development.
“As a research institution, ZARI must broaden its research endeavors, particularly in fields such as irrigation and mechanisation, to boost agricultural productivity and resilience. It is imperative to prioritise the development of solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation,” he emphasised.
Speaking at the same event Lusaka Province Minister, Honourable Sheal Mulyata, expressed happiness in the event as it reflected a shared commitment in harnessing the power of research for the greater good of the country.
Honorable Mulyata indicated that such events provided an opportunity for the country to leverage on the collective expertise and resources to address national challenges and create opportunities for growth and prosperity.
She called upon different stakeholders such as government agencies and the private sector to unlock new opportunities for growth and prosperity of Zambia.
“Government’s commitment to research as a driver of sustainable development and prosperity. The role of research in finding solutions to longstanding challenges, harnessing natural resources, and improving citizens’ quality of life cannot be overstated,” she underscored.
Minister Mulyata stressed the significance of utilising research to tackle challenges such as drought and build resilience in the agricultural sector.
She commended the government’s efforts in fostering a culture of research and innovation, highlighting the role of technology in transforming the agriculture sector and improving livelihoods as outlined in the 8th National Development Plan (8NDP).
Meanwhile, Siatwinda Charlie, a farmer, echoed the vital role of farmers in sustaining the country’s food and nutritional security underscoring that agricultural research must be supported to help farmer achieve their maximum potential.
Mr. Siatwinda emphasised that supporting researchers directly benefits farmers and, consequently, the entire nation.
He encouraged the utilisation of various climate smart farming methods, whether traditional or modern in ensuring food security.
Mr. Siatwinda thanked the Vice President for gracing the occasion and expressed hope that the field day would inspire participants to strive for excellence in their farming endeavors.
The field day was being held under the theme, ‘Creating a competitive future through climate smart agriculture technologies.’ – NAIS