ZNS EXPANDS ITS AGRICULTURE SCOPE

By NOEL IYOMBWA

THE Zambia National Service is working to employ more efficient methods of increasing the stock holding of beef cattle in all the six service ranches dotted around the country.

ZNS marketing manager Lt col George Lukonde says under the leadership of the ZNS Commander Lt General Maliti Solochi, the Service has embraced professionalism to the core.

Lt. Col. Lukonde said the Service has currently put a premium on animal production with a view to meet the demand of beef not only within the Defence wings, but also beyond.

He said apart from that, ZNS has over the last few years introduced livestock production in its units in Luapula and North Western Provinces which were traditionally believed not to be suitable for the venture.

He explained that emerging local livestock farmers in the two provinces will access improved breeding stock from ZNS ranches at Mansa and Solwezi.

“Plans are underway to extend the venture to 7,000 hectares in Kalungwishi in Kawambwa.

“In a bid to further boost productivity, ZNS has ventured into growing of pasture to serve as supplementary feed stock especially during the dry season. The service is growing 20 hectares of pasture per ranch.

He explained that agriculture production was one of the major production activities of the ZNS hence under this sector the Service was involved in growing both rain-fed and irrigated crops which included maize, wheat, and soya beans.

“The service is increasingly taking steps that are promoting enhanced agricultural production so as to significantly contribute to the uninterrupted supply of feed stock to milling plants,” Lt. Col. Lukonde said.