Zambia to learn from other countries-HH
By Mercy Mwepa
President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA says Zambia will continue to learn agriculture practices from countries that are doing well to boost the sector in the country.
President HICHILEMA says agriculture must contribute significantly to the country’s economy through embracing smart agriculture technologies.
He says the sector needs mechanisation from planting to harvesting to achieve increased production.
The president was speaking this morning after he toured Western Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Cotton Hub in North Western China.
President HICHILEMA says the visit is a boost to the country especially with the revival of Mulungushi Textiles in Kabwe.
He has also challenged Zambian students studying agriculture at the institute to use the knowledge to improve Zambia’s agriculture sector.
President HICHILEMA was accompanied by Agriculture Minister REUBEN MTOLO, Energy Minister MAKOZO CHIKOTE and Foreign Affairs Minister MULAMBO HAIMBE among other senior government officials.
And Institute Director GAO LEI says through mechanism and use of artificial intelligence, the Institute has been able to reduce the crop maturity period of cotton from 120 to 110 days.
Mr. GAO says through the use of smart agriculture, the centre has been able to reduce pests and diseases in the fields.
He has since pledged to train more Zambian students in agriculture.
The president arrived last night in China among other engagements to attend the Ninth Forum on China-Africa cooperation -FOCAC.
