Large scale farmers in Choma District of Southern Province have called on police to look into the issue of low staffing levels in the Anti-Stock Theft Unit if stock theft cases are to be stopped. The Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) said it has been revealed that stock theft cases in Choma are high, as very few Police Officers are in charge of handling stock theft cases compared to the Traffic Unit. ZNFU Regional Manager, Emmanuel Sinyangwe, said this was brought to his attention during some farm visits and charged that there were too many Traffic Officers as could be seen at several road blocks. Mr. Sinyangwe said in addition, farmers have also noted the inadequate working hours with displeasure, stating that the issue of extending working hours in surrounding areas that have rampant cases of stock thefts and other farm security issues should also be looked into. Meanwhile, Fallsway Timber is to open up a fruit processing plant which will be processing mangos and tomatoes among other fruits in Livingstone. Company owner, Shamji Bhai Vora at a meeting held with farmers from the surrounding areas of Livingstone and stakeholders that included United Party for National Development, Bureau of Standards, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, ZNFU and Road Development agency. This development cheered farmers who have been yearning for a ready market for their horticultural produce for so many years. Major issues that were discussed, primarily centered on the training aspect as farmers’ aspiration is to acquire knowledge that will enable them produce good quality fruits, after which a good price offer can then be guaranteed by the company. This is in a statement issued to Sun FM News by ZNFU.
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 10:11:11 +0000