ZNS COMMITS TO PURCHASE FERTILIZER FROM NITROGEN CHEMICALS OF ZAMBIA
ZNS COMMITS TO PURCHASE FERTILIZER FROM NITROGEN CHEMICALS OF ZAMBIA
The Zambia National Service (ZNS) Commander Lieutenant General Maliti Solochi has directed production units across the country to purchase Basal Fertilizer from Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) for the 2024/25 farming season and beyond.
Lt Gen Solochi disclosed that the Service is expected to buy more than 20,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer from NCZ in order to boost agriculture production.
Speaking recently when NCZ Chief Executive Officer Mr William Mwale paid a courtesy call on him at ZNS Headquarters, the Commander said ZNS has already set aside funds to procure the consignment.
Lt Gen Solochi said the move was in a bid to support local industries and was of firm belief that NCZ fertilizer was authentic and of good quality.
“We have resolved to engage NCZ to supply us with fertilizer in the next farming season as we embark on increasing our agriculture production. We are confident that NCZ will supply us with high quality fertilizer which will help boost our production capacity,” he said.
Lt Gen Solochi stated that in line with the directive by Republican President and Commander – in – Chief of the Defence Force, he wants to see all ZNS personnel participate in national food security by cultivating at least a hector or more of the staple crop.
The Commander further disclosed plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NCZ to enable Service personnel acquire fertilizer on a salary backed loan.
He assured Service personnel of guaranteed market and prompt payment for the output.
Lt Gen Solochi alluded that the Service intends to cultivate more than 2,000 hectors of maize in order to meet the high demand of the commodity on the market which will result in drastic reduction of mealie meal prices.
The Commander said ZNS was also willing to partner with NCZ to distribute fertilizer under the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP) through its units dotted across the country in a timely manner.
He lauded NCZ for being proactive in producing fertilizer locally which he said will help to reduce the cost of accessing the commodity on the market.
“We are also grateful for hiring our private security company Eagles Alert at the NCZ headquarters. We are also ready to extend such services to some of your depot as and when engaged,” Lt Gen Solochi said.
And Mr Mwale said looking at ZNS undeniable, large and visible contribution to the nation’s food security, the company decided to approach the Service to consider procure NCZ fertilizer which was manufactured to meet local standards.
He assured of consistent supply of suitable fertilizer and pledged to conduct soil sampling pro to blending of fertilizer tailor made for each unit.
“We realize that our fertilizer is on very high demand hence plans are already in the pipeline to increase our production capacity to meet at least 50 per cent of the country’s demand,” Mr Mwale said.
He said NCZ was in the process of acquiring new equipment to boost capacity from the current 20 per cent to meet the intended target.
Mr Mwale said aside from manufacturing fertilizer, NCZ has further diversified into production of battery water.