TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG – THERE is growing interest in the Zambian agricultural sector ahead of a major exhibition in the sector.
A total of 14 German providers of machinery and livestock equipment will be part of the German pavilion at the Agritech Expo set for Chisamba on April 14-16.
This is almost double the number of services providers from last year.
Martin Botzian, Head of Communication at DLG International GmbH, said they were pleased to be part of the show for the third time.
DLG, is an international non-profit organisation for agricultural industry in Germany.
“From the beginning of Agritech, two years ago, we have been part of this very well organised show in Zambia. Constantly, we are growing our participation from year to year. And this year we successfully convinced the German Ministry of Agriculture to launch an official German pavilion Botzian,” said Botzian.
Botzian said the agricultural sector in Zambia was exciting for German companies that sell agri machinery and livestock equipment.
“The country has a stable policy environment, which means the government supports the agricultural sector and commercial farming. Farmers are willing to invest. Zambia is a good place to grow crops and there is enough fresh water for irrigation,” said Botzian.
Last year, the German Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Christian Schmidt, was amongst the guests at Agritech Expo.
The event, which is owned by the Zambia National Farmers’ Union, also hosted Zambian President Edgar Lungu, Zambia’s Vice President, Inonge Wina, and the Zambian Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Given Lubinda.
