Melo News | Sunday, February 25, 2024 | Chipata
President Hakainde Hichilema and BuyZambian Brand Ambassador Mr. Evans Kazonga Ng’oma engaged in a discussion regarding the enhancement of farming irrigation systems, drawing inspiration from the successful models implemented in Egypt and Dubai.
The primary objective of irrigation systems is to mitigate the impact of irregular rainfall patterns or drought conditions, ensuring that agricultural activities can continue even during dry seasons.
When initiating an irrigation project, the foremost consideration is securing a reliable water supply, which can be sourced from surface or subsurface water bodies. While both types originate from precipitation like rain or snow, determining the source of subsurface water is notably more challenging.
Emphasizing the importance of leveraging Zambia’s abundant water resources, President Hakainde Hichilema and Mr. Ng’oma highlighted the necessity of utilizing existing rivers and constructing additional dams to bolster the irrigation infrastructure supporting agriculture.
Mr. Ng’oma underscored the potential for Zambia to replicate the success of Dubai and Egypt in agricultural development, citing Dubai’s innovative approach of purifying saline water for farming purposes despite being situated in a desert. He expressed confidence in President Hichilema’s unwavering commitment and dedication to advancing agriculture in Zambia, making such achievements feasible.