NAIS- The Ministry of Agriculture has distributed soil testing kits to all districts across Zambia to boost soil analysis and improve farming practices, particularly among small-scale farmers.
Acting Agriculture Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr. Chizumba Shepande, said the kits will help agriculture staff encourage soil testing as part of efforts to enhance productivity.
Speaking during World Soil Day commemorations at the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) in Chilanga District, Dr. Shepande revealed that the Ministry has also procured state-of-the-art laboratory soil testing equipment and reagents for ZARI, funded by the African Development Bank (ADB).
He added that the Ministry, in collaboration with FAO and other institutions, is undertaking nationwide soil sampling and mapping to promote balanced soil fertility management.
FAO Officer-in-Charge Mtendere Mphatso reaffirmed FAO’s support for national soil health initiatives, citing sustainable land management, fertilizer optimization trials, soil testing, and data development. He noted that FAO has provided ZARI with equipment worth over USD $1 million, including laptops, tablets, and GPS units for soil laboratory work.
Meanwhile, ZARI Acting Director Dr. Ndashe Kapulu said the institute continues to introduce climate-smart practices through research to strengthen resilience in agriculture.
