Pig Production Improves Amidst Quality Challenges
Tuesday, 12 February 2013 09:24
administrator
During a pig commodity committee meeting, pig processors informed pig producers that pig production in the country had improved tremendously. Zambeef also reported that the construction of an abattoir in Chingola was completed and that it was just awaiting commissioning which is good news for pig producers on the Copperbelt and other nearby areas. However, despite the improvement in pig production on the local market, the processors expressed concern over the quality of the pigs. During the discussion, it became abundantly clear that producers need information on how they can rear better pigs and members noted that most small scale farmers had limited knowledge in feed formulation and that the genetics especially among small scale farmers were poor.
Read more...
|
Copperbelt Farms Face Labour Challenge
Tuesday, 12 February 2013 09:11
administrator
Farmers on the Copperbelt have expressed sadness at the shortage of labour force. This comes in the wake of the booming timber sawing industry and the nearby mining towns of Luanshya, Mufulira and Kitwe, where most of these farm laborers have opted to go and get jobs. ” It has become difficult to do business here in the farms because labour has become a major challenge, local laborers are opting to get jobs in the mines and or in the sawmill industry, because that is where they get good money as compared to working in the farms”, one farmer in Kaniki farming area in Ndola observed. Another Farmer in Luanshya’s Fisenge area said that they have now opted to import labour from as far as Western province or indeed from our neighbors in Malawi and Mozambique, although it has its own legal implications, we have no choice but to import if we are to remain in this kind of business, he bemoaned.
ZNFU Engages MPs Over Implementation Of Trade Protocols
Wednesday, 06 February 2013 09:57
administrator
The ZNFU appeared before the Parliament Committee on Labour and Economic Affairs on Wednesday 30th January, 2013 to discuss a number of trade related challenges affecting the agricultural sector due to Zambia’s membership in regional and global trade organizations such as World Trade Organization (WTO), SADC, COMESA, AGOA and so on. The Union informed the Members of Parliament of the challenges the sector has had because of unfair competition from products originating in advanced countries. In addition, problems that have been experienced in implementing the SADC and COMESA Free Trade Areas especially because of unfavourable “rules of origin” that are eroding production capacities in the region were also highlighted. The Union stated that the survival of some agricultural sub-sectors in Zambia are really at stake. The dairy, wheat, beef, poultry and edible oils were some of the examples of sub-sectors highlighted to be currently facing unfair competition.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 06 February 2013 10:58
Read more...
|
Statutory Instrument No. 8 of 2013
Tuesday, 12 February 2013 08:45
administrator
The government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Lands has amended the Land and Deed registry Act Cap 185 of the laws of Zambia. This SI affects the registration of the properties and leases at Ministry of Lands. The original law charged a percentage of the lease with a maximum of K2m (KR2, 000). The Cap has now been taken away and the fee is 2% of the entire lease. What this means is that depending on the value of the property being leased or being transferred, a 2% of the total value of the land has to be paid to the Ministry of land. This will definitely affect the agriculture sector in that the cost of leasing or land transfer will add to the already high cost of production and make the sector non competitive.
Mumbwa District Hit By Cattle Diseases
Wednesday, 06 February 2013 09:42
administrator
Mumbwa district has been hit by some cattle diseases. This was confirmed by the ZNFU district staff during routine field visits conducted this week. The two cattle diseases are corridor and Anaplasimosis which are mainly caused by ticks. Farmers who are affected in Nalubanda area have called for quick response from the relevant offices. The District Veterinary Officer Dr. Masinga confirmed the development. He said some blood samples taken from some parts of Mumbwa have tested positive of both Anaplasmosis and Corridor disease and has urged the Union through its structures to take seriously the vital steps in curbing the problem. He further said his office will not sit and watch but will in the coming week launch a vaccination program so as to maintain the cattle populations in the area. He also urged the farmers to be dipping their animals as this was the effective way to fight tick borne disease. Most affected cattle tend to lose weight and end up emaciated and finally lead to death.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page 7 of 55 |
