• Government is commits to fully support the Buy Zed Campaign
• Emergency of strawberry farming in Zambia is an indication of the country’s rich resource empowerment.
• Government is open to partnering with the private sector in unlocking the vast potential of the agriculture sector.
Minister of Agriculture has affirmed government’s commitment to fully support the Buy Zed Campaign and other initiatives aimed at promoting the consumption of local products in domestic and export markets.
Speaking when he conducted a Strawberry Field Visit at Kuzipa Farms in Chongwe district where high quality and organic strawberries are produced commercially, Reuben Phiri said the emergency of strawberry farming in Zambia is an indication of the country’s rich resource empowerment.
Mr. Phiri stated that this is why the government is open to partnering with the private sector in unlocking the vast potential of the agriculture sector as is the case in the recent Market Access Agreement to facilitate the export on avocados to Europe.
“…We will continue to partner with the private sector and other stakeholders to unlock additional export markets for different agricultural commodities,” Mr Phiri said.
Mr. Phiri said to support the growth in the production of emergent fruit and tree crops like strawberries, the ministry is focusing on enhancing its capacity to deliver technical services in extension services support, research and development, seed quality assurance and market access and trade facilitation.
And Speaking at the same event, Kuzipa Farm Director Alice Chikandila said the farm provides employment to a sizable workforce and holds a number of programs that bring together families to appreciate the importance of oneness and consumption of locally produced commodities.
“Local farmers must upscale in producing crops like strawberries and the supermarket will gladly be buying from them to supply its large customer base to promote local production and consumption,” she said .
Meanwhile, Buy Zed Campaign Founder Evans Ngoma said consumption of locally produced commodities should be treated as a shared responsibility because it has the potential to provide jobs and grow the Zambian economy.