Youth challenged to venture into agriculture

NOEL IYOMBWA writes DISASTER Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe has challenged youths in the country to venture into agriculture which has proved to be a viable and lucrative source of income. Mr Kabwe said youths should not wait to be employed in the formal sector but rather engage in other viable businesses such as agriculture as a way of sustaining their livelihood.  He said away from his duties as DMMU National Coordinator, he has continued to engage in farming as another way of generating income.  He disclosed that during the 2019/2020 farming season he has managed to harvest 3,300 by 50kg bags of maize against the 1,200 bags from the 2018/2019 season.  Mr Kabwe said in addition to the maize, he is also involved in the growing of various cash crops and livestock rearing.  He said government supports such ventures, especially winter maize farming, adding that DMMU is also open to support the youth as part of coping capacities and reducing vulnerability and poverty as espoused in the Seventh National Development Plan.  He noted that addressing challenges of youths required the active participation of the youths themselves and taking a leading role in creating opportunities for themselves.  He said government has been consistent in early supply of farming inputs like fertilizers and early maturity seeds that youths can take advantage of and engage in farming. Mr. Kabwe added that the Office of the Vice President through the Department of Resettlement has enough resettlement schemes where youths can go and do their agriculture practices.  He further urged traditional leaders to help youths with land for farming, highlighting Chief Chipepo who has offered to give land to any youth regardless of tribe, region or religious affiliation wishing to venture into agriculture. The Sun