APMEP distribution of cassava cuttings in Serenje, Chitambo timely

Story by Moses Nyati

Government through the Agricultural Productivity and Market Enhancement Project (APMEP) has started the distribution of improved disease free variety of cassava cuttings to Serenje and Chitambo districts, this is an effort to promote crop diversification and cassava value chain,

In an exclusive interview with National Agricultural Information Services, Serenje District Agricultural Coordinator Katumwa Mutandi said the distribution of disease free cassava cuttings by the project in the district was timely as this will enhance cassava production through seed multiplication.

And Chitambo Senior Agricultural Officer Isaac Mupeta disclosed that the district received 1800 bundles of cassava cuttings with each bundle consisting of 100 cuttings measuring one metre each.

Mr. Mupeta said over1500 farmers were expected to benefit from the cuttings and that the focus as a district was to seed multiply so that more farmers can have access to improved varieties which are disease tolerate and matures within 18 months.

He was however quick to mention that six out of 13 camps in the district have reported incidences of suspected Cassava Brown Streak Virus (CBSR) attack with over 200 farmers already affected and the number was expected to increase in the months to come.

He thus said the gesture by APMEP had come at the most critical time when cassava farmers in the district want access to clean planting materials.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mutandi said the 1,670bundle of cassava cuttings received under Serenje district is earmarked for Lusiwasi Irrigation Scheme where a 1000 hectares of land has been cleared by the project and will be used for the establishment of cassava plantation.

Mr. Mutandi said as a way of diversifying and contribute to the sustainability of the Schemes, 115 hectares has been established this season for seed multiplication.

“The idea is that at the end of this season, we should have enough planting material that will enable us to expand the plantation from 115 hectares this season by another 200 hectares next season and at the same time empower the communities around.” He explained

He further explained that not only cassava a low input cost crop but also was strategically positioning the district to support the state-of-art cassava plant in Chitambo with raw materials.

And Lusiwasi Irrigation Scheme field supervisor Paul Banda has called on to government to expedite the opening of the Cassava plant in Chitambo district saying its opening will provide ready market for cassava farmers in Serenje.

This gesture by APMEP has indeed come at he right time, as this will enhance cassava production following reports of disease out break in some parts of the districts and also calls by farmers on the non-availability of clean planting materials.

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