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PRESIDENT HICHILEMA TO UNVEIL THE ZAMBIA MECHANIZATION POLICY DOCUMENT IN FEBRUARY

  Agriculture Minister, Ruben Mtolo says Agricultural Mechanization is the key enabler to the country’s vision to hit 10-million metric tons of maize production by 2027.   Speaking when he graced the Limani Muwine tractor handover ceremony by  Corteva Agro Science Zambia  today, Mr Mtolo says the attainment of this goal calls for increased productivity and a renewed focus on the adoption of sustainable farming practices. Mr Mtolo has acknowledged that many farmers are unable to access appropriate and affordable mechanization equipment and services.  "Agricultural mechanization has multiple benefits such as proper land preparation, right spacing for the required plant population, proper fertilization and accurate and safe application of Agrochemicals," Mr Mtolo said. "A modern and mechanised agriculture sector is, therefore, a key enabler to improve yields from the current average of 2 metric tonnes per hectare to the desired average of more than 7 metric tonnes per hecta

REA'S ELECTRIFICATION DRIVE: MOUs FORGE BRIGHTER FUTURES IN RURAL ZAMBIA

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It is a well-known fact that the Rural Electrification Authority-REA whose overall mandate is to provide electricity infrastructure to rural areas using appropriate technologies has since its inception in 2006, implemented a wide range of projects using grid extension, solar home systems and mini-grids.    This was initially aiming to raise rural electricity access from 3-percent to 51-percent by 2030, but the target has now been revised  and is expected to be achieved by 2026.   While questions may arise regarding its achievability, it is crucial to note that REA's mission has received indirect reinforcement through the Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) it has been signing with local authorities nationwide. As of November 16, 2023, the Authority has collectively signed 73 MoUs with various local authorities across the country.  This initiative aligns with the recent government's directive for all Local Authorities to allocate 1 million kwacha from the Constituency Developmen