By Sibeso Likezo
Government says it will increase the hectarage of land dedicated to rice production to ensure more produce for export to the international market.
Ministry of Agriculture Director Dr. Chizumba Shepande said Zambia will target markets particularly in Southeast Asia, where rice demand is high.
He explained that Zambia has learnt that Vietnam has almost 3.9 million hectares of land under rice production compared to Zambia’s 68,000 hectares.
Dr. Shepande was speaking during a tour of the 200-hectare Sefula rice irrigation scheme in Mongu, Western Province.
Meanwhile, Vietnamese delegation leader Cao Duc Phat said he is impressed with the growth of rice in the region.
He added that the Vietnamese government will assist farmers in rice production, which will also contribute to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between Zambia and Vietnam.
