THE 56th Copperbelt Mining, Agricultural and Commercial Show (CMACS) in Kitwe that took place from May 29 to June 2, yet again, showed some significant levels of growth in size and stature going by the increased number of exhibitors recorded.

This year’s show held; under the theme: ‘Mining and Agriculture for Continued Development and Prosperity’ lived to its expectations of creating a perfect platform for economic diversification, especially that the event saw more exhibitors taking part compared to last year.

More than 107 exhibitors took part in the trade exhibition with 27 of them being foreign companies who were mainly from South Africa.

While, the trade show is mining and agriculture, the exhibitors sprang from all sectors of the economy bringing with them to the fore, diverse interests and thereby creating a platform for sharing and exchanging of ideas.

Read the full article HERE

IT is estimated that the world population had been projected to reach 9.1 billion by 2050.

This projection requires a 70 per cent increase in food production world-wide. Almost all of the growth would occur in less-developed countries including the African Continent.

However, it is estimated that Africa is suffering from 20 to 30 per cent post-harvest losses valued at US$ 4 billion annually.

With the loss of 20 to 30 per cent of maize harvest valued due to poor post-harvest handling, the loss of more than US$ 4 billion was equivalent to the food aid Africa received over the last one decade or equivalent to an annual caloric value requirement of 48 million people.

Read the full article HERE

Yokohama — THREE Rome-based United Nations (UN) agencies have called for food security and nutrition to be placed at the core of the international agenda for African development.

Speaking separately at the ongoing Fifth Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD V) here, the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), officials from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Programme (WFP) said food security and nutrition were a must for Africa.

President Michael Sata is attending the conference together with some ministers and other Government officials.

Read the full article HERE

GOVERNMENT has signed a KR150 million (US$29.8 million) loan agreement with the World Bank to enable small-scale farmers to improve agricultural productivity and boost food security.

The long-term loan facility would be spent on agricultural productivity programmes for the Agricultural Productivity Programme for Southern Africa (APPSA).

Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda, who signed on behalf of the government, said the project would benefit the Zambian people through job creation, household and national food security.

“The agreement we have signed today of $29.8 million is an essential prelude to improved agriculture.

Read the full article HERE

PRESIDENT Michael Sata yesterday said Zambia can capture an export market in China for its agricultural produce.

President Sata made the remarks before closed-door talks with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang and other senior Chinese government officials. Mr Li, who received Mr Sata at the Great Hall of the People, said he was delighted to meet with the Zambian delegation.

The President said Zambia had a variety of agricultural produce whose production could be scaled up in order to have a share in China’s 1.3 billion strong population’s market.

Mr Sata, who winds up his seven-day State visit today, was happy with the bilateral cooperation that had been extended to Zambia.

Read the full article HERE