 David Siame has urged farmers of the district to take up farming of a variety of crops.){kind=link}
Zambia: Mpika District Commissioner (DC) David Siame has urged farmers of the district to take up farming of a variety of crops. The diversification in crops will help in keeping the agriculture land fertile for a longer duration of time.
The District Commissioner discouraged the farmers from engaging in monoculture as it poses a significant risk of food security in the country. The practice of Monoculture is outdated and exposes the agricultural system to climate change.
District Commissioner Siame made these remarks during the officiation of the 2024 edition of the field day held in Malabwa area in Mpika District. By engaging in crop diversification, the agriculture stakeholders can build resilience against climate.
The District Commissioner David Siame noted that with the changing times, it is important for the agriculture practices to experience a shift. The various agriculture stakeholders across Zambia have been urging the farmers to embrace modernization in the sector.
“In an era where the effects of climate change are increasingly evident, it has become imperative for us to re-think our agricultural practices. Promoting crop diversification fosters biodiversity which is essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem, providing a conducive environment for pollinators and beneficial microorganisms,” he said.
District Marketing Development Officer, Jimmy Phiri discussed the importance of hosting field days regularly. He asserted that they serve as platforms where farmers learn about different agricultural practices.
Phiri disclosed that the district will soon receive winter maize seed, tractors and ploughs to help farmers improve crop productivity. “These items will be used by all the farmers in the district and there will be training conducted to help you improve your farming practices,” he said.
The training initiative will be hosted through the Centre of Excellence programme. In this programme, farmers will be exposed to high quality education on farming and the use of farming equipment.
Western Seed Company Sales Representative, Emmanuel Chilufya said the company has a variety of maize seed which is drought resistant. Chilufya has since urged farmers to ensure that they plant maize seed which is capable of surviving the effects of climate change.