Zambia: Government committed to promote cassava value chain – VEEP

Vice President Mutale Nalumango says the new dawn government is keen to promote the cassava value chain in its quest to diversify the agricultural sector and transform the economy. Mrs. Nalumango says there is need to fully exploit the potential in commercial cassava production which has for a long-time been overlooked. Cassava is a viable cash crop owing to its increasing demand for commercial purposes and could help to alleviate poverty. Mrs. Nalumango said in a speech read for her by Northern Province Minister Leonard Mbao at the launch of the Itabwa Cassava Processing Plant in Kasama. “Cassava is one of the most grown crops at subsistence level, yet the crop has huge potential for commercial value and poverty alleviation.” Mrs. Nalumango said. She added that the new dawn administration will also work with traditional leaders in encouraging people to increase cassava yields and exploit the available market both locally and internationally. “The demand for cassava has ...