ZDDM sees need to maximize output in Agric

The Zambia Direct Democratic Movement (ZDDM) says there is need to maximize the output of the agriculture sector through value addition to crops produced by the farmers so that the country does not continue to export raw materials.

ZDDM Vice president Charles Kafumbo says the agriculture sector has immense potential to be the pillar of the economy if well-managed because Zambia has good soils conducive for farming and rearing of livestock.

Mr. Kafumbo says there is also need for mindset change among Zambian farmers especially in crop production in the wake of the change in the rain pattern.

He says dependence on maize has become a huge drawback because the crop is not drought resistant.

Mr. Kafumbo further states that as the country prepares to diversify the economy, there is also need to embrace traditional and drought resistant crops such as millet, sorghum, cassava and beans which have the same economic value as maize