UN launches project to boost rice production in Zambia

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has launched a 484, 000 U.S. dollar project aimed at increasing rice production in Zambia, the Zambia Daily Mail reported on Monday.

The project will involve strengthening rice seed production, as well as enhancing extension services to increase rice production.

George Okech, the FAO representative in Zambia said the organization has responded to a request by the Zambian government for technical assistance in implementing the national rice development strategy.

The official said the rice project was organized through a wealth of expertise and investment through the development of a rice value chain.

"The project, therefore, draws upon the successes that have been achieved so far, and it incorporates the lessons learned from past experiences. It is with this in mind that the implementation of this project should also be forward- looking to ensure that rice value chain continues to grow and make contributions of economic and food nutrition security nature to the country," he was quoted as saying during the launch of the project.

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Julius Shawa said during the same occasion that the government asked for technical support from FAO due to the importance rice has in the agriculture sector, adding that rice was being considered as a strategic crop under a government diversification program.

The project, he added, was aimed at increasing rice production by addressing some of the key constraints being faced by rice producers who mainly comprise of small-holder farmers.

The project will address the constraints through interventions such as the purification of existing rice varieties, the development of improved varieties, supporting multiplication and supply of quality rice seeds and enhancing the quality of locally produced rice, he added. Endi