KELLY NJOMBO, Lusaka
GOVERNMENT will continue to promote initiatives that will mitigate the effects of climate change through the development of irrigation schemes and water storage infrastructure, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Greyford Monde says.
Mr Monde said Government has finalised the National Agricultural Policy to support the implementation of the National Agricultural Investment Plan and other programmes which will spur growth in the sector.
He said this when he officiated at the 43rd Mkushi District Agricultural and Commercial Show under the theme  “Innovation beyond golden jubilee”.
According to the Friday brief availed to the Daily Mail, the farming community should adopt new farming techniques as it is key in increasing food availability.
Mr Monde urged farmers to engage in innovations that will improve crop productivity such as conservation farming, mechanisation and adoption of improved livestock production techniques.
“Government will continue supporting them by promoting initiatives that mitigate against the effects of climate change, through development of irrigation schemes, promotion of small livestock and developing water storage infrastructure,” he said.
Mr Monde said Government will continue working with the Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU) and other stakeholders to pilot the electronic voucher where inputs for crops, livestock and fisheries production will be given out to farmers to diversify the sector.
“Government will continue engaging the ZNFU on pertinent national issues as it is impressed with the union’s contribution to the agriculture sector,” he said.
The Mkushi show opened its doors to the public on June 19-20, 2015.