By Francis Chipalo
BuyZed Campaign founder, Ambassador Evans Kazonga Ng’oma has urged farmers in the country to diversify their crops and prioritize the production of legumes, particularly soybeans and groundnuts.
Ng,oma says the crops are crucial for Zambia’s edible oil production, adding that a shortage could lead to a national deficit.
“I appreciate the government’s efforts to support farmers, but we must maximize these benefits. Legumes are vital for our country’s food security and economic growth. I urge farmers to swipe legumes to meet the demand for edible oils and support our nation’s development,” he said.
And Ng’oma has however, observed a concerning trend, where he notes that some farmers are only swiping fertilizers, neglecting other essential inputs like seeds.
“To address this, we recommend that the system administrators implement a locking mechanism, allowing only two bags of fertilizer to be swiped per farmer. This will enable farmers to access the necessary fertilizers while also purchasing seeds and other vital inputs,” Ng’oma said.
Ng’oma added that the measure will promote balanced input usage, improve crop yields, and contribute to Zambia’s economic growth and food security.