The North Western Chamber of Commerce, Trade and Industry says there is need for the UPND regime under the President elect Hakainde Hichilema come up with specific policies that shall grow small scale farmers into large scale farmers.
Chamber president Mukumbi Kafuta states that in order to fully diversify the economy, farmers need to graduate from small to large scale farmers. “There is also need for the new regime to come up with policies that enable small scale farmers to have easier access to inputs at a very affordable prices. That way, we are going to grow the agriculture sector,” said Mr. Kafuta.
He also called on government to come up with what he termed asked ‘protectionism policy’ which he said will protect farmers from exploitation from traders. “If this is done, farming will once again become a business that is viable for the small scale farmers, “he said.
He also mentioned that the chamber is expecting that there will be a facilitation for local ready markets for more local products ranging from agriculture so that the farmers will focus on growing such crops.
He said he is aware that the market for maize, soya beans and other agro-products is available and that some companies have come on board buy such products.
“But we are expecting much more, we are expecting policies that are going to guide Zambian companies also joining the business of opening up chain stores.
“We expect that there will be a facilitation so that it will be easy for home grown chain stores to compete with multinational chain stores so that they provide ready-for-market fresh produce, grown by the Zambian farmers, “he said.
He further mentioned that the chamber is expecting to see very well formulated extension services which will assist Zambian farmers become more skillful through training. “Such that they are brought to a level where they can compete in terms of producing quality produce as opposed to depending on imported fresh produce from other countries, “he added.
