GOVT WILL NOT ALLOW NCZ TO BLEED TO DEATH.... WILL SUPPORT IT TO UP ITS PRODUCTION , RUBEN MTOLO .

The government is determined to ensure that the Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia-NCZ increases its fertiliser production from 47,338.05 metric tons this year, to about 100 thousand metric tons in 2023, Agriculture Minister, Ruben Mtolo has said.

Mr Mtolo expressed confidence that NCZ could meet the assigned target saying in case of any challenges along the way, the government could not hesitate to offer its support.

Speaking when he graced the second flagging off ceremony of the distribution of fertiliser under the 2022-2023 Farmer Input Support Program-FISP at NCZ in Kafue on Friday [ 23 September 2022] the Minister said the government will therefore not allow investment at NCZ to bleed to death.

NCZ has been contracted to supply and deliver over 47 thousand metric tons of compound-D fertiliser to Lusaka, Central and Copper belt provinces for the 2022-2023 farming season in which the ministry has targeted over one million farmers.

"People do believe that NCZ can not produce fertilizer. That is a belief that we have in Zambia. But your government believes that you [NCZ] can produce fertilizer and we shall do everything possible to ensure that you increase your production capacity. We could like the people of Kafue to know that we are not going to allow this investment to go to waste because when we see it whilst others see scrap metal, for us we see a mechanism for the production and will make sure that this mechanism is uplifted. We are confident that NCZ will produce this tonnage ...if it will have problems along the way, will hold your [NCZ] hand, will lift you up and make sure that you produce this quantity.NCZ was given a few months ago 13 thousand metric tons to produce and managed and supported the people of Southern and Western province," Mr Mtolo said.

"Government believes that the country can move from where it is, to a better place and in the process ...Items that have slowed down our country have been identified ....these are high levels of poverty, high unemployment, lack of diversification. But the current President [President Hakainde Hihilema ] has said we should not allow being suppressed by these problems instead we should stand and fight these problems and one of the instruments that have been identified is the Agriculture sector. Together we can uplift agriculture."

He added that "we want to change the low productivity levels of our small scale farmers who are producing two tones and 1.2 tones per hectare, what is two tons per hectare ..a tone is 20 bags by 50 Kilogram, so two tones are 40 bags. We are not supposed to be producing 40 bags for every hectare... we are supposed to be producing much more than that....almost reaching 200 bags per hectare, that should be our aim....we can not reach 200 bags if we are going to be cultivating without fertilizer and this is both synthetic and organic fertilizers. So NCZ plays a huge role. Together we can make the country self-sustaining in terms of fertilizers requirement."

The Minister urged transporters in the country to come on board and get jobs of transporting fertilizers to their final destinations. 

"NCZ just like the United Chemical fertilizers, their job is to produce agriculture, they do not have trucks to transport fertilizer. So come as transporters in Zambia, this is employment being created. Getting to this company here is an opportunity to get jobs."

Earlier NCZ board Chairperson Chitudu Kasase assured that NCZ will deliver the 47 metric tons of compound-D fertiliser to the three provinces before the onset of the rainy season further stating that 20 thousand metric tons is ready for distribution to the farmers.

Dr Kasase said NCZ wants to participate in Farmer Input Support Program and will be happy to deliver 100 thousand tons of fertiliser come next year.

"It's the first time that we are receiving this tonnage of 47 thousand metric tons. So please extend our appreciation to the government that as NCZ we are delighted to have received this tonnage. We believe it's a demonstration of confidence you have in us. We want to promise that we will not fail you. As you flag off this distribution we want to make you aware that we are distributing to three provinces, that is Central, Copper belt and Lusaka. On the floor, we have over 20 thousand metric tons that are ready to go to farmers. We equally want to reach out to you our minister and that come next year we will be ready to deliver close to 100 thousand metric tons. We are ready to meet and partner with the government and come next year we will be able to deliver a tonnage that is double that which you have given us this year. Before the rains start will have taken 47 thousand metric tons to every farmer in those regions.

Meanwhile, Kafue Member of  Parliament Mirriam Choonya commended the government for contracting NCZ to supply Compound-D fertiliser to the three provinces,a move she said will benefit the community in Kafue.

"As area member of Parliament am very happy knowing that our company has been given this tonnage to produce .This minister is a commendable steps ,your leadership has shown responsiveness and the desire to support NCZ particular and the agriculture sector as a whole through this gigantic award of 47 thousand to NCZ.The benefit which will come their not only be for the workforce at NCZ but will also trickle down to the entire community in Kafue.