Interaction between farmers and agro companies underscored

—–The District Agriculture Coordinating Office in Mkushi has underscored the importance of interaction between farmers and agro-related companies.

Mkushi Senior Agricultural Officer (SAO,) Patrick Mutale, said   when he graced the 2013 Farmer Training Center Field Day today.

Mr Mutale pointed out that events such as Field Days were of great importance to the farming fraternity as they served as platforms from which farmers and other stakeholders of agriculture can share ideas and experiences.

He said such interaction was of positive impact to the agricultural sector, saying that new ideas, solutions as well as awareness of products were exchanged during these events.

The SAO said to this effect, government was committed towards encouraging interaction involving the agro-related private sector companies, farmers as well as Government’s DACO institutions.

Mr Mutale stressed that Government’s vision was focused on achieving food security level in which food was affordable for all Zambians.

He explained that Government had been consistent in encouraging farmers to adopt new farming methods such as conservation farming, adding that Field Days were ideal forums for learning about such techniques.

He mentioned that Field Days also accorded agro-dealers and companies the chance to showcase their products to the farming fraternity.

During the same event, Private Sector Representative, Henry Kamwale, implored the DACO to scale up in management and maintenance of demo-fields.

Mr  Kamwale noted that Field Days were cardinal events on the agricultural calendar of any district, adding that demonstration fields were important factors for these events.

He said it was, therefore, imperative for organizers of these events such as DACO, to ensure that the demo-fields are maintained to attractive state as these fields were important to both farmer and agro-companies.

Meanwhile Traditional Authorities Representative, Patrick Kamwendo, saluted Government for its  efforts to consolidate agriculture as a livelihood.

Headman Kamwendo of Chitina Chiefdom observed that Government’s relentless efforts to promote agriculture had helped reduce poverty in rural communities.

He said coupled with this, Government’s insistence on encouraging farming as a business had escalated the spirit of self reliance, saying this was vital for national development.

More than 200 residents from the central part of Mkushi district attended the 2013 Field Day   at Farmer Training Center.