Women in agriculture urged to Mechanize and participate in value chains

Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo has noted the need for women to enhance mechanization in their farming activities if they ate to equally participate in national development.

Speaking when he officiated at the women in agriculture conference in Lusaka, Mr Katambo says mechanization in agriculture is cardinal if the country is to improve its current production and productivity.

The Minister says government has come up with various initiatives to support the growth of mechanization, such as the establishment of the mechanization training center at GART which women in agriculture can take advantage of.

Mr Katambo has also urged women to participate in value chains so as to ensure value addition, stating that his ministry through the Enhanced Smallholder Agribusiness Promotion Programme (ESAPP) is offering support for selected value chains which women can take advantage of.

The Minister says it is important that the country goes beyond production in the fields by engaging in value addition to agriculture commodities such as soya beans, mixed beans, cassava and rice.

And Chairperson of women in agriculture,Nkolola Halwindi says the conference is aimed at bringing women in agriculture together during the women’s month to discuss ways in which they can enhance their skills in agriculture in order for them to contribute positively to economic and national development.

And Heifer International Representative Joyce Phiri assured of the company’s continued commitment to women empowerment especially to the women in agriculture considering that agriculture is now considered as the main stay of the economy.