By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Government has underscored the importance of cooperation between Zambia and Germany in the implementation of reforms in the agriculture sector.
Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, John Mulongoti, note that Germany has been a key partner in supporting Zambia’s agriculture reforms.
Mr. Mulongoti cited a blueprint programme known as the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Programme (CATSP), which the two countries are implementing to enhance agricultural productivity.
The Permanent Secretary made the remarks on the sidelines of the recently concluded Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) held in Berlin, Germany.
He explained that from engagements with the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ)), German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and other participating countries, it was clear that Zambia was on the right path in its pursuit to promote mechanization in the agriculture sector and improve productivity,” he stated.
“The government is reforming some of its interventions like the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP), where benefits are now being seen,” he said.
Mr. Mulongoti disclosed that Zambia was cited as an example for other countries to learn from on how to reform and transform the agriculture sector from a potential economic sector to a real sector, which will contribute largely to economic development and job creation.
He stressed that a number of reforms which have been undertaken by the government, both policy and legal framework, and the re-purposing of programs like FISP are giving tangible results.
Mr. Mulongoti said the Zambian delegation also shared various investment opportunities available in the country, adding that he was impressed by the number of companies that have expressed interest in investing in Zambia’s agriculture sector.
The Permanent Secretary expressed confidence that the engagements held at the Forum have left a lasting footprint that will continue to yield results as Zambia advances its agriculture reform agenda.
This was shared in a statement issued by Lubinda Kashewe, First Secretary-Press, at the Zambian Embassy in Germany.
