By NATION REPORTER
ZAMBIAN Breweries joined farmers of Zimba in Southern Province, with representation from Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders to officially flag off the 2023-24 sorghum planting season, marking its commitment to sustainability and the local sourcing of raw materials.
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Alfred Sianjase, District Agricultural Coordinator from the Ministry of Agriculture, relayed government’s desire to see more small-scale farming undertakings in the area transformed into viable and sustainable businesses.
He further acknowledged the vital role of agriculture in job creation and highlighted the economic benefits that sorghum farming in Zimba would bring to the district and the country as a whole.
“Such opportunities are rare. We therefore urge our farmers to grasp this and use it wisely. The idea is for the farmers to produce profitably. You will be able to improve your income at household level. When there is improvement in household income, there is also improvement in the district’s economic welfare, which ultimately develops the country economically,” Mr Sianjase said.
Five years ago, ZB initiated a partnership with 200 farmers in the region.
Today, the sorghum program is very instrumental in equipping farmers with essential inputs and vital sorghum cultivation skills through conservation farming that benefits over 1500 farmers.
This program has enabled them to thrive in modern agriculture while also providing a critical ready market, thereby fostering financial inclusion, and contributing to rural development and empowerment.
Eagle Lager, renowned for its quality and affordability, relies on two primary ingredients- cassava and white-grained sorghum.
Christopher Nicolle, Zambian Breweries Agriculture Manager, commended the Zimba farmers who have been practicing conservation farming for many years.
Mr Nicolle daid, “White sorghum is a drought-tolerant crop and well-suited to the region’s limited rainfall. Combined with conservation farming practices, this initiative empowers farmers and enhances the sustainability of their operations.”
“We expect that this season farmers will use conservation farming, especially minimum tillage which is early ripping in rows- it will help us as farmers to conserve the moisture for the benefit of the crop,” added Mr Sianjase stated.
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