THE Ministry of Agriculture has encouraged farmers across the country to report any army worm infestations to their camp extension officers.
Agriculture minister Reuben Mtolo stated the ministry procured and distributed 55,000 litres of low risk Fall Army Worm chemicals to all the 10 Provinces of the country for strategic purposes which will be given out to every affected farmer for free.
Mtolo said the rapid intervention is essential to suppress pest populations, protect crops and mitigate further damage.
The minister urged state holders at every level to work together to ensure a coordinated, efficient and effective response.
He assured the public of government’s unwavering commitment to mitigating the threat of army worms by providing resources to all the affected farmers.
“The Ministry of Agriculture wishes to inform the nation and farmers that it has initiated urgent and decisive measures aimed at combating the widespread infestation of Fall Army Worms that is threatening Zambia’s food security,” stated Mtolo.
“As a Ministry mandated to facilitate the development of a sustainable and diversified agricultural sector for enhanced food and nutrition security, and income generation, we are aware that the Fall Army Worm infestations which have been reported in all the provinces, can have a devastating effect on the national food security.”
“To safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and ensure the nation’s food security, the Ministry is rolling out a comprehensive Response Plan designed for effective and rapid action.”
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, January 4, 2025
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THE Ministry of Labour and Social Security has called on all employers to submit employment relationship statistics, warning that failure to comply will attract penalties.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Labour Principle Public Relations Officer, Mwaka Ndawa, Labour Commissioner Givens Muntengwa emphasised that it is a legal obligation for employers to provide labour statistics under the Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019.
Muntengwa stated that the labour statistics are important in improving employment conditions as they can enable the ministry to track labour market trends and make informed policy interventions.
He said the labour laws require employers to submit and maintain accurate statistics on employment relationships.
Meanwhile, Muntengwa expressed concern that some employers have failed to comply with these requirements, impeding the Ministry’s ability to maintain an updated administrative database.
This, he noted, impends the ministry’s efforts to address key labour market challenges effectively.
“Employers who fail to comply with the legal requirements risk facing sanctions under Sections 12(3), 133(1), and 135 of the Act,” Muntengwa explained.
However, to meet their obligations, employers are required to submit hard copies of employment statistics to the Labour Commissioner’s office or via post.
“Soft copies by email to [email protected] and copied to Assistant Labour Commissioner Mrs. Mukamasole M. Kasanda at [email protected],” he stated.
Muntengwa also reiterated the requirement for wages to be paid in Zambian Kwacha, in line with Section 67(1) of the Employment Code Act.
“While employees may choose their preferred mode of payment such as postal order, money order, cheque, or electronic payment, wages must be denominated in the national currency.”
“The law is clear wages shall be paid in Kwacha. Non-compliance will attract necessary sanctions,” added Muntengwa.
By Buumba Mwitumwa
Kalemba January 3, 2025
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AGRICULTURE Minister Reuben Mtolo has highlighted the success of input distribution under both the Electronic Voucher (e-voucher) and Direct Input Supply (DIS) modalities.
Mtolo said nationwide, more than 99 percent of verified farmers have redeemed their inputs.
“As of December 26, 2024, 1,023,988 farmers had deposited their contributions, amounting to K409,595,200.00, with 1,016,054 of them successfully redeeming their inputs,” Phiri disclosed.
Phiri also noted that the 2024/25 farming season e-Voucher rollout was a resounding success.
“As of 26th December, 2024, out of the 739,266 farmer beneficiaries, 738,816 representing 99.9 percent had deposited for their inputs and of which, 731,010 representing 98.9 percent successfully redeemed their inputs,” he said.
“A total of 631 agro input suppliers were engaged to supply inputs to farmers. These included 25 seed companies, 30 fertilizer and agrochemicals companies, and 576 agro dealers. These operated 1,056 branch outlets across the 74 participating districts under the e-Voucher.”
Mtolo said the system has not only streamlined input distribution but also allowed farmers to select inputs tailored to their needs, boosting productivity.
He said the system has also created opportunities for agro-SMEs and rural youth while improving liquidity through timely supplier payments.
“The input distribution under the Direct Input System (DIS) across 42 districts was highly successful, with 42,775.20 Metric Tons (MT) representing 100 percent of Compound D and 100 percent of Urea fertilizers distributed, along with all contracted seeds.”
“As of 26th December, 2024, out of the 285,168 targeted farmers, a total of 285,044 beneficiaries representing 99.96 percent had successfully redeemed their farming inputs,” said Mtolo.
Local fertilizer producers, including United Capital Fertilizer (UCF) and Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) Limited, played a key role in ensuring timely delivery of the inputs and the minister could not hide his pride in Government’s efforts of positive segregation to support the companies producing fertiliser in the country.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba December 30, ,2024
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