By ALICE NACHILEMBE
Zambia’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Brazilian Fertilizer Company Agronelli to commence the fertilizer partnership between Zambia and Brazil.
Speaking when she addressed the stakeholders during a virtual meeting, Zambia’s Ambassador to Brazil Alfreda Mwamba called on Agronelli to consider possibilities of partnering with the Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) through technology advancement and production of phosphate fertilizer.
Dr Mwamba said that Agronelli’s fertilizer would enable Zambia to produce the drought- resistant bumper harvest as well as benefit the small scale and commercial farmers in the country.
She said that once the centre is set up in Zambia, exports could be made within the region and economic benefits will be attained in line with the National Agricultural Policy.
Dr Mwamba said that the partnership will contribute to the increase and availability of inputs on the market as well as boost crop production and diversification.
She reiterated that the phosphate fertilizer from Brazil will enhance the Government’s efforts of sustaining the country’s food basket.
And Agronelli Company Director Renato Costa notified the stakeholders that the Brazilian fertilizer company is ready to send a one-ton foot container of fertilizer to Zambia as a pilot project to ascertain its results on the Zambian soil.
Mr Costa said his company is ready to do business with Zambia because of the country’s vibrant Agro vision.
And speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Principal Agricultural Economist, Mr Peter Zulu advised Agronelli to send the sample of the fertilizer to Zambia for evaluation before importation.
Mr Zulu assured the Brazilian company that Zambia is open to meaningful Investment in order to develop the Agricultural sector.
This is contained in a statement issued by Grace Makowane, First Secretary (Press and Public Relations)
Zambian Embassy, Brazil.
