(DAILY MAIL) World Bank plans dollars 50m loan
World Bank plans dollars 50m loanBy CYNTHIA MWALE
THE World Bank is expected to provide a US$50 million concessional loan for further development of the four farm blocks in Zambia next year.
Government has since allocated K15.4 billion towards the commercialisation of agricultural land for farm block development.
Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives Brian Chituwo says a team of experts is working on a pre-feasibility study to enable the World Bank grant a concessional loan for infrastructure development in the farm blocks that will assist commercial farmers.
Dr Chituwo said in an interview in Lusaka, that the study would include an environmental impact assessment and social impact assessment.
He said the areas earmarked for large-scale farming are Musakashi block in Mufulira, Momboshi and Nansanga blocks both in Central Province and Lusitu block in Siavonga.
“A technical team is currently working on the pre-feasibility study to enable the World Bank give us a concessional loan next year to develop these large-scale farms,” he said.
Dr Chituwo said the development of Musakashi farm block will enable farmers to grow enough crops to even export to the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
He said Lusitu farm block farmers would utilise water from the Zambezi River to ensure food security.
Several investors from India and China have expressed interest to invest in Nansanga farm block in Serenje district.
Recently Zambia Development Agency told the Daily Mail that the major challenge in selling the farm blocks to would-be investors is lack of infrastructure.
Labels: BRIAN CHITUWO, FARM BLOCS, World Bank
posted by MrK @ 6:49 AM
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