INNOVATION, POLICY REFORMS AND POWER SUPPLY TOP GART AGRITECH EXPO AGENDA.

By Ruth Chileshe

The 2025 Agritech Expo officially opened in Chisamba under the theme “Where Agriculture Meets Innovation,” drawing together farmers, industry players, and government officials to promote sustainable and modern agricultural practices.

In his welcoming remarks, Professor Thompson Kalinda, Chairperson of the Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust(GART), emphasized the importance of involving farmers in the innovation agenda.

“This expo is meant to involve farmers and give them a platform where they can learn about innovation in agriculture and how to make agriculture sustainable,” said Professor Kalinda.

And representing theZambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU), Acting President Mr. Rowlands expressed optimism over the season’s outlook and commended current efforts under the Ulimi Input Scheme.

“ZNFU Ulimi Input Skim is giving farmers quality inputs to help with farming. The intervention is structured with sustainability in mind,” he said. However, he also called for balanced policy reforms, citing lessons from the previous season.

“This year's harvest is looking promising but we must ensure that prices don’t collapse due to market imbalances. One lesson from last year is need for balanced policy reforms in agriculture. We need to support and prioritize other crops beyond maize.”

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Mr. Rowlands also urged farmers to diversify and invest in new crops and modern farming methods.

“Let’s reduce reliance on imports by investing in irrigation and Zesco should give farmers 12 hours of power to improve wheat farming and create and retain job creation. Let’s explore other crops like coffee, blueberries. Let’s maintain costs associated with water access for irrigation. Invest in research and development to improve yields.”

Furthermore, he called on government and policymakers to ease legal burdens on farmers. “Farmers need to be exempted from certain laws cause they result in new fees in order to meet the laws. Farmers need to focus on what they know best which is farming.”

Meanwhile, delivering a keynote address on behalf of President Hakainde Hichilema, Minister of Agriculture Reuben Mtolo said the Expo is important for idea exchange between farmers and industry players. He emphasized the need for climate-resilient farming, energy diversification, and greater investment in innovation.

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Mr. Mtolo also addressed energy-related concerns raised by ZNFU,, noting that the government is taking steps to alleviate power shortages.

“The energy crisis exposed our reliance on hydropower. Governmentis mitigating energy shortage in agriculture to promote climate resilientfarming practices. Therefore, we have signed memorandums of understanding with 29independent energy players to supply power the national grid.

Highlighting government efforts to enhance Zambia’s export potential, Mr. Mtolo said, “We can now export macadamia to China, soyabeans, avocado and we will continue opening up the market.”

In closing, the Minister commended the effort and resilience of farmers in Zambia and advised them to stay committed in their work.

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