The Ministry of Finance and National Planning, Hon Situmbeko Musokotwane, today the 29th September unvailed the 179billion budget for the feasical year 2024. The Budget is dubbed “UNLOCKING ECONOMIC POTENTIAL” which is aimed at promoting economic growth through enhanced private sector investment, increase production and productivity and improve public service delivery. key highlights from the budget for the livestock sector
1. Governemtn will focus on implementing measure to reduce the cost of production in the agriculture sector by ensuring that the cost of fertilizer is kept at bay- usd$865 which is slightly about zmk900 per 50ks bag. further the government also intends
2. Total of ZMK K186.0 million is earmarked for the establishment of a financing and credit window for small scale farmers, public service workers, and emergent farmers.
3. Construction of 300 kilometres of roads, 10 bridges and 200 kilometres of powerlines in Nansanga, Luena and Shikabeta farm blocks. Further, more investments will be made in irrigation infrastructure to reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture and to ensure farmers are able to plant throughout the year.
4. Government will unlock potential by improving animal health, animal identification and traceability as well as livestock breeding programmes. The disease surveillance and response system will be enhanced as regional veterinary laboratories in Chipata, Choma, Isoka, Kasama, Mongu, Ndola and Solwezi become operational. In addition, the Central Veterinary Research Institute will be rehabilitated.
5. Government to continue with the restocking programs for bigger livestock with the target of 12,000 farmers benefiting from the project in 2024
6. Investment in fingering production 433.4 million in 2024 from the current 302.0 million.
Other key issues of importance to the livestock sector includes the following
1. Dismantling of the domestic debt and arrears will push money in the economic whuch will eccerelate investment and consumption—key driver of livestock sector.
2. FISP takes up 62% of the total llocation to both agriculture and livestock budget- concentration is still centred around maize farming which is challenge in the diversification agenda
3. UNLOCKING ECONOMIC POTENTIAL WILL BE DIFFICULT TO BE ACHIEVED IF THE LOCAL SECTOR CONTINUES TO BE UNDER PRESSURE WITH IMPORTS SUCH AS MECHANICALLY DEBONED MEAD, PROCESSED CHICKEN AND FISH AMONG OTHERS.
4. FURTHER MORE DELIBERATE EFFORTS SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE IN TRHE BUDGET TO HIGHLIGHT ON DEALING WITH IMMEDIATE CHALLENGE OF MAIZE SUPPLY TO DEAL WITH ESCALLETING HIGH INPUTS IN THE FEED MAIKING PROCESS