Luapula Farmers Set for Rice Training
By Blessings Chibuye
Over THREE thousand farmers in Luapula Province are set to receive specialized training in rice production by the end of 2025 under the Market-Oriented Rice Development Project -MOREDEP.
An additional 200 farmers in Western Province will be trained under the same programme.
The initiative is collaboration between the Japanese Government and the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute -ZARI-under the Ministry of Agriculture.
The Programme aims to increase rice production and introduce improved rice varieties across the country.
Zambia Agriculture Research Institute, -ZARI- Acting Director NDASHE KAPULU says it is important to expand rice cultivation using climate resilient techniques that can adapt to Zambia’s diverse ecological conditions.
Dr. KAPULU was speaking during a media tour of the Japanese-funded project in Lusaka
Meanwhile, ZARI Agricultural Research Officer, LORNA BANDA said the project is empowering communities by equipping them with the skills and equipment needed to venture into rice farming.
She revealed that since 2019, MOREDEP has already trained over 3000 farmers in Luapula Province, significantly boosting local rice production.
Ms. BANDA said the project also focuses on enhancing market access for farmers, hence ensuring that rice production becomes a viable and profitable venture.
