Japan has given Zambia a grant of K11.6 billion ($3 million) for the importation of 4,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser and 60 tractors and trailers to help the country increase food production in the 2008/09 farming season.
, said this in Lusaka yesterday during a grant assistance agreement signing ceremony at the ministry.
“The tractors will be for sale to eligible small scale-farmers who are registered in accordance with Government’s regulations,” said Minister of Finance and National Planning, Ng’andu Magande.
The minister said the fertiliser (basal and top-dressing) would be used to boost the Fertiliser Support Programme (FSP) especially among small-scale farmers in Central Province. Mr. Magande said the Japanese grant was aimed at enabling small-scale farmers to acquire inputs and machinery necessary to enhancing food production in the country.
He said the inability of small-scale farmers, particularly those in peri-urban areas to acquire agricultural equipment was a major constraint to enhancing food production.
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March 16, 2008
Zambia receives Japanese grant for fertiliser, agro-machinery
Categories fertilizer, mechanization, Zambia
