Libya donates tractors to Zambia

LIBYA has pledged to help Zambia develop its agricultural sector, and has called for stronger ties based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal matters.
The North African country has donated 10 tractors valued at US$360,000 to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock to help mechanise Zambia’s agricultural sector.
Speaking during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), Libyan Ambassador to Zambia Lofti AL-Riani said the donation was a contribution to the development of Zambia’s agriculture sector.
Mr AL-Riani said the donation also marked the beginning of cooperation between the two countries that would be based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal matters.
And Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Julius Shawa said the donation would supplement Government’s efforts in mechanising agriculture in Zambia.
Mr Shawa said Government wanted to empower small-scale farmers with equipment such as tractors that would cut down on the labour involved in the agricultural processes.
He hailed the Libyan Government for the donation and assured that the tractors would be put to good use.
“As you know agriculture is the mainstay of this country but productivity has been low, so one of our strategies is to ensure that the process is mechanised,” Mr Shawa said.

Times of Zambia