GOVERNMENT has commended the Zambia College of Agriculture (ZCA) Management for heeding its call of producing quality human resources.
Minister of Agriculture Reuben Mtolo says his office is particularly happy that the Institute has remained committed to provide well trained personnel critical to the growth and development of the agriculture sector.
Mr. Mtolo said this in a speech read on his behalf by Muchinga Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Mathews Chilekwa during a graduation ceremony at the Zambia College of Agriculture in Mpika on Thursday.
During the ceremony, 42nd Certificate in General Agriculture, 14th Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture and four diplomas in Agriculture Education, respectively.
Mr Mtolo said in the face of climatic challenges, the institution should embrace hands-on climate smart technologies as they prepare the students..
“As we usher into industry the latest cohort of graduates, I passionately urge them to go and teach agroecological-climate smart agriculture for an assured sustainable agriculture and resource management system that will spur national development and enhance people’s livelihoods,” he said.
Mr Mtolo added that the cohort of graduates are special in that they are graduating at a time when there is renewed impetus to drive agriculture forward.
The Minister further urged the graduates to actively participate in the various all inclusive government agricultural empowerment schemes supported by the new dawn administration.
“As you embark on your professional journey in agriculture, i urge you to continue sharpening your skills. Be prepared to learn from the industry and keep an open mind,” he said.
He added that as a Ministry, they pledge to continue supporting the college as human resource capacity building is key for agricultural and national development.
Mr Mtolo further urged management at the institution to enhance production and productivity across various value chains which will enhance production of seasoned graduates and self-sufficiency in food security.
Speaking at the same event, Zambia College of Agriculture Mpika Principal, Alice Tembo said the institution is facing a number of challenges among them inadequate farm machinery, Lab equipment, digital tools and services, students hostels as well as theatres and associated classroom furniture.
Dr Tembo stated that inadequate transport for both utility and student and lack of capital funds for college expansion are also some of the challenges affecting the institution.
She further appealed to government to ensure the institutional challenges are looked into, adding that the act will help the institution to expand its plans.
And Copperbelt University representative Lenox Siwale has assured the Zambia College of Agriculture Mpika of more support in meeting its obligations in training and research.
Dr Siwale said he acknowledges the role that Copperbelt University plays in quality control of the diploma programmes adding that the University not only offers quality control services through the academic board activities but also presides over issues of policy direction, implementation and guidance.
He further commended the 277 graduates of which 72 were awarded with diplomas in sustainable agriculture and agricultural education while 205 were awarded with certificates in general agriculture.
“I have no doubt that the graduates will contribute positively to sustainable agriculture and resource management,” he said.
And Danny Kabwe who spoke on behalf of his fellow graduates assured government that the graduates will continue sharpening their skills and innovativeness and explore the vast opportunities existing in the agricultural sector.
During the ceremony deserving graduates across all the disciplines were awarded for their hard work during their studies.
