Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 17th April, 2025.
Chilanga, Zambia.
In a firm demonstration of the government’s commitment to agricultural transformation, Mr. John A. Mulongoti, Permanent Secretary for Technical Services in the Ministry of Agriculture, officiated the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) Open and Field Day held on April 17, 2025, at Mount Makulu.
The event drew participation from various stakeholders, including seed companies, NGOs, research institutions, and farming communities across Chilanga and beyond.
The Field Day was not only a showcase of scientific achievement but also a platform to align agricultural advancement with the nation’s broader economic ambitions. In his keynote address, Mr. Mulongoti emphasized the role of research-driven innovation in redefining farming as a business and a driver of economic growth.
“The government is steadfast in its resolve to turn agriculture into a viable, productive sector that contributes meaningfully to Zambia’s Gross Domestic Product,” Mr. Mulongoti said. He pointed to the 8th National Development Plan and the Comprehensive Agricultural Transformation Support Programme (CATSP) as strategic blueprints aimed at increasing productivity, enhancing value chains, and creating employment opportunities in agro-industries.
Under the theme “Inclusive Economic Transformation through Increased Agricultural Productivity,” this year’s event highlighted the pivotal role of research in overcoming persistent challenges such as soil degradation, pest outbreaks, and climate-induced threats like droughts and floods.
Mr. Mulongoti toured various demonstration plots and exhibits, commending the strides made by ZARI and partner institutions in developing and disseminating technologies that are already making a difference at the grassroots level. These included fall armyworm-tolerant maize, improved varieties of sorghum, finger millet, soybean, sunflower, and rainfed wheat. Additionally, ZARI showcased its full suite of laboratory and specialist services – ranging from soil and water analysis to advanced diagnostics for pests and diseases.
“I am impressed by the breadth of technologies and services on display,” he remarked. “These are not just innovations—they are solutions with the potential to raise productivity, build resilience, and empower our smallholder farmers to thrive.”
Private sector participation was also on full display, with seed and agrochemical companies exhibiting improved crop varieties alongside practical management technologies, reinforcing the importance of public-private collaboration in agricultural development.
As Zambia positions itself to become a food-secure nation and a regional breadbasket, the Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing a stable policy environment and supporting science-led research for sustainable agricultural transformation.
He concluded his address with an encouraging message to farmers, expressing confidence that they would depart not only inspired but also empowered with practical knowledge and innovative tools to enhance their farming ventures.
The Agency.