The Oilseed Crop Producers Association has called on the government to provide incentives to farmers now that there is an overwhelming demand for the commodity in Zambia.
Association Vice-chairperson Mukampaaka Mwaanga said the government should follow suit with the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) and the Cotton Association of Zambia (CAZ) which are now supporting farmers growing oil food crops, reports the Times of Zambia.
Ms Mwaanga said apart from human consumption, growing sectors such as stockfeed manufacturing, biofuels, and cosmetics have contributed to the high demand for oil crops in the country.
Ms Mwaanga said if given the necessary support, small-scale farmers could be in a position to meet the country’s need for 150,000 tonnes of soybeans, per annum.
Zambia is experiencing an increase in the demand for oilseed because more farmers are investing in the livestock and poultry industry.
“CAZ, through its crop diversification programme and the ZNFU Lime Credit scheme, are some of the initiatives which are now being undertaken to support soybean farming in the country,” she said.
Ms Mwaanga said the country could earn foreign exchange through the export of soybeans and jatropha now that they are trading at good prices both on the local and foreign markets.
