By Françios Kwatani

Renowned agriculturalist Tamani Nkhono-Mvula has commended farmers in the country for increasing  production of horticultural crops.

Nkhono-Mvula’s remarks follow the second Agriculture production estimate survey released by the Ministry of Agriculture which has shown that there is an increase in the production of horticultural crops such as soya beans, groundnuts, bananas and tangerines.

Mvula said horticultural crops have over the years shown that they help generate more revenue for the country.

“We have been importing most of these highly valued crops such as oranges and bananas, etc. from countries like South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia which has been affecting the country’s economy due to import subsidy,” Mvula said.

He further said increment in locally horticultural crops production will enable the country a good import substitution which will allow money to circulate within the country.

Mvula added that the survey is not portraying a good picture in terms of household food security therefore many people will face food insecurity as the estimates indicate that most food crops such as maize and cassava are inadequate as compared to the past years.