Agriculture officers urged to embrace UPND manifesto

Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary, Tuesday Bwalya has urged agriculture officers to treat the manifesto for the United Party for National Development (UPND) as their working manual for the region to achieve increased maize production per hectare. Dr Bwalya says adherence to…

Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary, Tuesday Bwalya has urged agriculture officers to treat the manifesto for the United Party for National Development (UPND) as their working manual for the region to achieve increased maize production per hectare.

Dr Bwalya says adherence to the party manifesto by officers in the agriculture sector, will aid in increasing the production of maize from 3.5 metric tonnes to above 5 metric tonnes per hectare in the next farming season.

“It is imperative for you as implementers of government policies and programmes to understand the governing party manifesto and visualize your role, so that you can know what is expected of you in ensuring that there is an increase in maize production per hectare,” he said.

He said this during a meeting with Senior Management Officers under the Ministry of Agriculture, where he emphasized that the ministry remains a priority sector for the government.

Dr Bwalya directed senior management officers at both provincial and district level to ensure that extension officers intensify training of small scale farmers in crop management for higher yields, noting that some officers were not taking their jobs seriously.

He warned that he will be visiting Agricultural camp blocks to assess how extension officers are working on the ground.

Dr Bwalya said government will recruit more agriculture extension officers in a bid to improve service delivery.

 The PS who acknowledged the transport challenge in the Agricultural sector, assured that the Provincial Administration will engage the Ministry of Agriculture on procurement of vehicles and more motor bikes.

Dr Bwalya further said motorbikes should be used for the intended purpose and ensure a dedicated budget line for maintenance and servicing of motorbikes is set aside.

And Senior Agricultural Officers took the opportunity to share their concerns which include upgrading of officers.

Shiwang’andu District Agricultural Coordinator, Chewe Mutale said settling personal emoluments of officers will motivate officers and encourage relentlessness when one is transferred.

Meanwhile, Provincial Senior Irrigation Engineer, Nelson Phiri, said early El Niño warnings underscore the need for a coordinated provincial strategy.