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