Solar-powered irrigation gains momentum
By Josiah Mpofu
GOVERNMENT is rolling out small-scale solar-powered irrigation to reduce dependence on rainfall and boost climate resilience, Minister of Agriculture Reuben Mtolo has said.
Phiri said the initiative seeks to empower small-scale farmers to achieve year-round production, which would improve food security and boost rural incomes.
He noted that his Ministry has heightened the implementation of the Presidential Irrigation Initiative, set to transform over 340,000 metric tonnes of maize production by 2025.
Phiri said such and more initiatives were being implemented to ensure Zambia met its ambitious target of producing 10 million metric tonnes of maize by 2031.
“We have set ambitious targets to achieve 10 million metric tonnes of maize, one million metric tonnes of wheat and one million metric tonnes of soya beans by the year 2031. In addition, the President has directed the roll-out of the Presidential Irrigation Programme which seeks to produce 340,000 metric tonnes of maize in 2025 and over 1.6 million metric tonnes by 2026. This programme is designed to strengthen national food security, boost export potential and improve the livelihoods of our rural communities,” he said.
Phiri said agricultural productivity in Zambia remained below expectations because of over-reliance on rain-fed, maize-centric farming systems that have proved inadequate in lifting rural communities out of poverty and in driving broad-based economic growth.
“We are promoting practices such as conservation farming, crop diversification, agroforestry, improved soil fertility management and the adoption of drought-resistant and early maturing crop varieties. we are also investing in small-scale and solar-powered irrigation infrastructure to reduce reliance on rainfall and strengthen resilience to climate change,” he said.
Phiri said this in a speech read for him by acting permanent secretary for administration, Lemmy Kamfwamfwa during the launch of the annual scientific conference of the Agricultural Institute of Zambia (AIZ) in Lusaka.
At the same event Phiri also launched the Zambian Journal of Agricultural Science to promote home-grown, research-based innovations.
“I am proud to launch the Zambian Journal of Agricultural Science, a platform for peer-reviewed research, innovations and home-grown solutions. This marks our commitment to advancing agricultural standards and contributing to the global knowledge economy. I encourage researchers and stakeholders to submit their work and apply its insights to drive sector transformation,” Phiri said.
TEVETA director general Cleophas Takaiza called for the development of curricula tailored to promote climate smart and digital agriculture.
“Climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a present reality disrupting food systems and reversing development gains. Droughts, floods, pest outbreaks and soil degradation are affecting farmers nationwide. To respond effectively, we must embrace innovative, science-driven solutions that offer practical answers to these challenges,” Takaiza said.
AIZ board chairperson Jomo Matululu urged all agricultural practitioners to register and embrace professional development, saying only a skilled and well-equipped workforce could transform the sector into a productive hub for food security and export development. – NAIS
