By HELEN ZULU –
THE over K30 million Zambia Sugar outgrower scheme aimed at developing smallholder farmers has been successful, Agriculture Minister Given Lubinda has said.
The project that demonstrates the company’s commitment to alleviating poverty has positively impacted on smallholder farmers.
Mr Lubinda said the scheme had provided a perfect opportunity for alleviating poverty by creating wealth for the rural communities.
The scheme was supported by the Finnish Government with K17, 341,378 through the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Mr Lubinda said this during the Manyonyo Cane Day in Neganega area in Chikankata District yesterday.
“It is clear that the project will impact positively on the lives of the 145 smallholders at Manyonyo who are now going to be cane suppliers to the Zambia Sugar Company.
“As Government, we are pleased that this will result in increasing incomes and wealth among the smallholders,” he said.
Mr Lubinda said the Government acknowledged the contributions that Zambia Sugar had been making towards the development of the Manyonyo Scheme which it indirectly supports through the facilitation of the disbursement of loan funding which to date amounts to K4, 940, 718.00.
He further urged the Manyonyo farmers to reinvest the money in irrigation facilities.
Zambia Sugar managing director Rebecca Katowa said the company provided a cane quota agreement for offtake of their cane for 555 hectares.
She said the hectarage was increased to 595, giving Manyonyo a guaranteed market for their cane.
Ms Katowa said of the 595 hectares consisting of blocks A,B and C, block C was fully developed with sugarcane and 189 hectares would be harvested this season.
She said the total value of seed cane provided by the company was K181, 213.60 and that the company was providing support to a number of entrepreneurs in Mazabuka and surrounding areas ranging from material suppliers to site contractors.
“However, the smallholder schemes are foremost and best entrepreneurial development initiatives that assure real empowerment not only for the farmers participating but also for the families and nearby communities that benefit from the multiplier effects,” Ms Katowa said.