LIVESTOCK SECTOR STILL UNDERDEVELOPED, OBSERVES ZAM

By Jessica Mwansa

THE livestock sector is still underdeveloped and has over the years been superseded by imports in terms of domestic consumption, Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) Chief Executive Officer Muntanga Lindunda has said.

Speaking to The Scoop, Ms. Lindunda said the Association was concerned with the anthrax disease outbreak in an already struggling subsector adding that livestock farmers should continue adhering to the measures put in place by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

She said it was advisable that the Government spearheaded training on food handling and support the informal sector for purposes of formalization.

“The outbreak of anthrax disease is counterproductive and has continued to threaten not only increased productivity for value-addition, but also consumer perception on locally-produced meat products.

 “We commend the Government for its efforts in controlling the spread of animal diseases to other parts of the country. However, it is recommended that the Government enhances monitoring and compliance of production,” Ms. Lindunda said.

She said the Association recommended that the Government enhanced its efforts to sensitize communities on food safety at various stages including production and consumption, adding that livestock accounted for 42% of the agriculture sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 50 percent of employment in rural areas.

“Anthrax threatens the well-being of animals in communities and it is saddening that various parts of the country have been affected. This disease also threatens efforts for value chain development for the food industry due to the disrupted supply of raw materials. Food safety remains an important aspect of industrialization and as an association, we will remain open to partnerships aimed at addressing illicit trade and the spread of disease,” she said.

Ms. Lindunda urged the Government to alternatively consider zero rating of some of the key inputs which go into livestock farming and processing.

“This is another reason most of the people in communities and markets are resorting to consuming meat from unregistered outlets. Henceforth, zero-rating Value Added Tax (VAT) will be a step forward in levelling the playing field for formal and informal food producers,” she said.