ISOKA AGRIC CAMPS GET K 6 MILLION
By Peter Sichali
Government through Enhanced Smallholder Agribusiness Promotion Programme -E-SAPP- has released 6 million kwacha to Isoka District to enhance rice value chain.
Muchinga Province Principal Agricultural Officer Fred Chikuta said the funds have been released to Farming As Business (FaaBs) in two Agricultural Camps and one service provider.
Mr. Chikuta says the FaaBs will be expected to use the funds for modernisation of rice farming to enhance production and productiveness, improve quality, storage and market access.
He says the Agricultural Camps have been given 1.8 million kwacha each.
Mr. Chikuta revealed that the two camps will procure tractors and will construct rice storage sheds.
Meanwhile, Niza Rice Mills, a service provider in rice value chain has been given 2 million kwacha matching grant for modernisation of rice processing and packaging.
Niza Rice Mills Director Niza Sikombe has thanked government for the gesture.
Mr. Sikombe says the funds will help him purchase new equipment that will help to improve the quality of rice produced in Isoka.
He says the funds will help his company create over 100 direct and indirect jobs for the local people.