Principals of Agricultural Colleges have expressed worry that the split of the Ministry of Agriculture in two ministries leaves them in a quandary as they do not know where they would belong and report to.
Speaking on behalf of others Mazabuka’ Zambia Institute of Animal Health (ZIAH) Principal Mabvuto Banda said todate no official communication has been made to inform them where the colleges would fall under following the split of the ministry.
Dr. Banda said this development has left colleges in a state of uncertainty adding that there is urgent need for the government to give guidance to all agriculture colleges.
Some Principles also started that the structure under which the colleges are operating does not exist adding that there is need for government to put place a deliberate policy that would formalise tha latter.
Deputy Minister in the ministry of Livestock Development and Fisheries, Albert Mulonga however could give a definite answer but assured the staff not to panic because government is seriously addressing the matter.
” Government is aware of the problem and is seriously looking at ways of addressing the problem,” said Mulonga.
Mr. Mulonga explained that at district level, respective districts would be headed by district veterinary officers while at the Province, Provincial Veterinary Officers will be in charge.
He said the split of the ministry will improve efficiency especially in the fight against livestock diseases.
ZANIS
The split will just add more people on Govt payroll but very little results in the field.
“he split of the Ministry of Agriculture in two ministries leaves them in a quandary as they do not know where they would belong and report to”
This is an indication of parasitism. Why not think of opportunities which you get out of the split? Not knowing where to belong to is not a problem because you could even belong to yourselves if you are innovative enough. Over-dependence on GRZ coffers blinds you and does not provide you with an understanding of how you could unlock your potential.
This issue is simple. Those colleges whose main focus are in crops and cooperatives will be in the old Ministry while the other ones whose focus is animal husbandry will be in the new ministry.
We need thinking people in the governance of the state. In Australia there is a suggestion of having more seasons. Why don’t we explore this idea with specific application to Zambia. It may just help in the agricultural planning. Who said that Zambia should only have the Rainy, Dry and cold seasons. Whoever thought about this classification was probably only concerned with the breeding cycle of mosquitoes and not the efficient production of food. Come on you thinking Zambians, get your thinking caps on!!!!!