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President Hakainde Hichilema has urged an Italian firm, Maccarese Farm, to replicate its model in Zambia through a partnership with the local farmers.
The facility utilizes biogas, generating 1.5 megawatts of power from cow dung, according to Hichilema.
The Head of State’s social media handle, Facebook reads: “We visited Maccarese Farm in North Rome, Italy, an intensive mechanized mixed farm comprising both livestock and crops.”
He noted that the dairy section efficiently milks 300 cows within 10 minutes and provides feed for beef production.
“It was exciting to discover the farm’s sustainable approach, generating electricity through animal manure for value addition,” Hichilema stated.
The Head of State emphasized his administration’s belief that farming was a viable investment for the present and the future.
He noted that given Zambia’s strategic land-linked position and the proximity to the Lobito, Benguela, and Dar es Salaam Corridors, the country was in an advantageous position to supply farm products to the region and beyond.
The Head of State was on a state visit to Italy at the invitation of that country’s President Sergio Mattarella and returned to Zambia after concluding the visit on Wednesday.
During his visit, Hichilema also met Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Rome.
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The Head of State engaged in discussions on various agricultural matters in Zambia.
He noted that since 1981, IFAD had aided projects benefiting around 5 million people in Zambia’s rural communities.
“Appreciating IFAD’s assistance to vulnerable smallholders in remote areas, we discussed their country program’s role in connecting small-scale farmers with rural financial services,” he stated.
Hichilema called for collaboration with IFAD to strengthen food security in Zambia.
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