By MAIMBO MWEEMBA
Construction works of the 2.6 million US dollars ultramodern cassava processing plant in Chitambo District of Central Province is almost complete.
Agriculture Permanent Secretary Songwayo Zyambo says works at the plant have progressed, despite the delays experienced due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
“The modern Cassava Processing facility will not only service producers and the community in Chitambo District but also provides a market for farmers in other parts of the country, I want to call on stakeholders in the cassava industry to join hands and continue partnering with government in addressing the challenges in the cassava industry through innovative and coordinated approaches,” he said.
Mr Zyambo said there is need for the industry to adopt and implement as many recommendations as possible from the recent cassava value chain study commissioned by the Food and Agriculture Organization in collaboration with MUSIKA.
“The Cassava industry faces the challenge of limited capacity in Entrepreneurship and business skills among small-scale farmers and limited infrastructure to support cassava processing and marketing, which has caused huge post-harvest losses,” he said.
Mr Zyambo stated that 99% works have so far been done, and that the contractor is expected to hand over the plant soon.
He was speaking during the Virtual Presentation and Feedback meeting for the Cassava Value Chain Assessment Draft Report in Lusaka.
