Sat, 27 Jan 2018 14:47:03 +0000 By MAILESI BANDA THE Policy Monitoring and Research Centre, (PMRC) says the current rainfall patterns indicate that it is time for Zambia to consider investing in irrigation to ensure sustainability and improve productivity in the agriculture sector. PMRC executive director, Bernadette Deka this is also realised in the Second National Agriculture Policy 2016 – 2020 whose first objective seeks to increase agriculture production, productivity and focuses on efficient water resources usage and promotion of mechanisation. Ms. Deka explained that the implementation plan states that 3, 000 hectares is targeted for irrigation through the construction of communal irrigation schemes and dams. She said the plan also sets out to train 1, 000 small-scale farmers and 100 staff in irrigation management system annually. “Initial investment in irrigation is costly but cost effective in the long run and improves productivity, there remains significant potential for irrigation not only for maize but for […]
