Zambia, Germany ink for agro deal

ZAMBIA and Germany have signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on a Bilateral Cooperation Project aimed at promoting sustainable and modern agriculture in the country. The Joint Declaration of Intent on the establishment of the agricultural demonstration and training centre on the premises of the Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust (GART) was signed on the sidelines of the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture conference in Berlin. The aim of the project is to provide sustained support of cereal and potato cultivation in Zambia through training and the professionalisation of production systems. The establishment of the centre will enable farmers and technicians to receive hands-on training in modern agricultural engineering, sustainable cultivation techniques and good farm management. This is contained in a statement issued by First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at the Zambian Embassy in Germany Yvonne Shibemba. Agriculture and Livestock Minister Robert Sichinga signed the Joint Declaration of Intent while the Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture for Germany, Hans-Peter Friedrich signed on behalf of Germany at a ceremony held at the Exhibition Grounds Messe in Berlin on Sunday. Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Dr Friedrich before the signing of the Declaration of Intent, Mr Sichinga said although Zambia's agriculture sector was doing reasonably well, there was need for inspiring partnerships such as the Agriculture Bilateral Cooperation Project. Mr Sichinga said Zambia was progressing well in terms of production of maize and that increased yield could be achieved with the acquisition of improved German technologies. "We want to enhance our capacity to support the farmers in accessing credit on an annual basis, provision of extension services, access to research and development of seeds, products and programmes such as conservation farming, and also to ensure that we have enough commodities that the farmers can sell to improve their standard of living," he said. Mr Sichinga appealed for further cooperation in research and technology aimed at introducing best practices in agricultural production by both large and small-scale farmers. He said his ministry had also undertaken programmes such as the provincial farm blocks to help with the diversification and encourage private sector investment in the country. Mr Sichinga added that there was need for infrastructure development, especially in the 10 farm blocs in form of dams for irrigation, roads and power. He emphasised on the need to continue developing bilateral partnerships between the two countries, as there was still a lot that could be done in motivating and encouraging private investors in agriculture. Mr Sichinga thanked the German government for the opportunity to sign the Declaration on Joint Bilateral Cooperation Project, and said it would be an opportunity to further enhance relations between the two countries. And Dr Friedrich expressed satisfaction in signing the agreement, adding that the German food and agriculture industry was keen to cooperate with Zambia for the mutual benefit of the two countries and to promote further trade and investment. Dr Friedrich said Germany would continue supporting critical sectors which would bring about sustainable development and improve the living standards in Zambia. Alongside the signing of the Joint Declaration of Intent, an agreement of implementation was signed between the Zambia National Farmers Union and the private sector representative from the German side that would implement the Bilateral Cooperation Project in Zambia