Agriculture
Irrigation Key to Zambias Wheat Target
The Agriculture Institute of Zambia –AIZ- says Zambia can achieve its one-million-tonne...
By Justine Akakulubelwa
The Agriculture Institute of Zambia –AIZ- says Zambia can achieve its one-million-tonne wheat production target by 2031.
Agriculture Institute of Zambia Registrar, MATHEWS NGOSA, however, says wheat must be placed at the centre of the country’s irrigation programme if the target is to be achieved.
Mr. NGOSA told ZNBC News that Zambia must also increase yields and expand the area under wheat cultivation to between 140,000 and 145,000 hectares.
He said small-scale farmers must be included in efforts to boost production through improved access to water, quality seed, mechanisation and markets.
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Meanwhile, Zambia Agriculture Research Institute wheat breeder, BATISEBA TEMBO, said ZARI has developed two rain-fed wheat varieties – TYETYE and MPETA – which are high-yielding, drought-tolerant and disease-resistant.
Dr. TEMBO said the varieties mature within 100 to 115 days and are already performing well in several provinces.
And Ministry of Agriculture Principal Public Relations Officer, BALEWA ZYUULU, said government is implementing policies aimed at increasing participation in wheat production.
Source: Zambia24 — Read more
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