Economist Backs New Farm Block Agency

An Agricultural Economist has backed the Farm Block Development Agency (FBDA) Bill recently approved by Cabinet.

On Monday, Cabinet approved in principle, to the introduction of the Bill in Parliament for the establishment of the Farm Block Development Agency, whose role will be to coordinate the implementation of the Irrigation Programme that targets to bring over 500,000 hectares into crop production through irrigation by 2031.

The Agency will also be mandated to implement and operationalize the Farm Block Development that targets 10 blocks by 2031, and facilitate enhanced access to agricultural mechanization implements, targeting 696 centers across the country by 2031.

Commenting on the development, Jerevas Tembo said the idea of introducing farm blocks is a good move as it will boost Zambia’s agricultural sector, with a focus on on irrigation and mechanization.

Mr. Tembo noted that once established, the FBDA will play a key role in helping farmers to reduce their over reliance on rain-fed agriculture, improve agricultural productivity and efficiency in maize production.

He said most farmers depend on rain-fed agriculture because they lack irrigation equipment and access to boreholes.

“The expected benefits include increased crop production and food security, improved livelihoods for farmers and rural communities and enhanced economic growth through agricultural development.”

“Away from these direct benefits, there are other indirect benefits were communities will access education and medication through construction of roads, schools and clinics/hospitals to the nearby farm blocks. This will help the nearby community members to access medication and education for children, besides income generation through sales from their crops,” Mr. Tembo noted.

It is envisaged that establishing the Farm Block Development Agency for the Irrigation Programme, will ensure efficient coordination of all the farm blocks, mechanization and irrigation projects in the country.

According to Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa, this will ensure sustained irrigation of maize crop and contribution to the 3 million metric tonnes of irrigated maize for food security, by reducing dependency on rain-fed agriculture.