Luapula Province Permanent Secretary, Mighty Mumba, has expressed gratitude to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for its ongoing support in the province, particularly in the agriculture sector.
Speaking during a meeting with the JICA delegation led by Vice President Yamaguchi Hiroyuki, Mr. Mumba highlighted the long-standing cooperation between Zambia and Japan, which has positively impacted rice production and small-scale irrigation schemes in Luapula.
Mr. Mumba acknowledged JICA’s role in improving small irrigation systems across various districts in the province, enabling the cultivation of legumes, vegetables, and other crops that enhance local nutrition.
Additionally, he noted that JICA’s collaboration with the Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI) has led to the development of rice varieties that improve yields and control diseases, benefiting local farmers.
“The Zambian government reaffirms its commitment to deepened ties with Japan to fostering strong and mutually beneficial relationships with global partners to accelerate economic growth and improve the livelihoods of Zambians,” said Mr. Mumba in a statemenet issued to RCV News in Lusaka today by Luapula Province Principal Public Relations Officer Emmanuel Maseko
And JICA’s Vice President, Mr. Hiroyuki, reiterated that the agency’s projects, including the Market-Oriented Rice Development Project (MoreDep) and community-based small irrigation schemes (COBSI), are designed to boost rice production and farmers’ incomes.
Mr. Yamaguchi commended the active participation of local agricultural extension officers and underscored the importance of continued support for these initiatives.
RCV News
