Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) has engaged the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) to discuss the Agency’s support to the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) through the determination of the weight (net content) of farming inputs such as Fertilizer and Seed in preparation for the 2022/2023 farming season
Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) has engaged the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) to discuss the Agency’s support to the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) through the determination of the weight (net content) of farming inputs such as Fertilizer and Seed in preparation for the 2022/2023 farming season.
The Agency met with representatives from the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI), the Agribusiness and Marketing Department, and the Seed Control and Certification Institute (SCCI) under the Ministry of Agriculture.
ZMA Acting Executive Director, Mr Humphrey Nkobeni explained that the role of the Agency is to ensure the correct application of measurements through calibrations and statutory verification of measuring instruments as well as the inspection of measuring instruments and pre-packaged commodities for compliance with the national metrology requirements.
Mr Nkobeni highlighted that for a long time, the ZMA was not participating directly in this national activity and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to ensure the correct distribution of farming inputs as regards weight (net content).
The ZMA Acting Executive Director stated that the application of Metrology to FISP is crucial in ensuring that farmers get the correct quantity of farming inputs for their projected yields as well as ensuring national food security.
"If there are underweight farming products, the implication is that farmers may have a low harvest yield, further compromising the nation's food security," Mr Nkobeni explained.
And Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) Director, Mr Ivor Mukuka, who chaired the meeting, expressed gratitude to the Agency for its proactive efforts to meet with the MOA in preparation for the 2022/2023 farming season.
Mr Mukuka stated that the interaction was critical in determining the Agency's role in the FISP.
The ZARI Director further said that the Agency’s involvement in the distribution of farming inputs will send a positive message to the manufacturers and suppliers on the significance of correct weights (net content), packaging, and labelling of all farming products.
Among key deliverables to be met by both parties, the ZMA and MOA agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to prescribe how the two government entities will work together to inspect and monitor compliance of farming inputs against all relevant national requirements.
Further, the ZMA offered to arrange stakeholder engagement training with the manufacturers and suppliers of the farming inputs to ensure that the products are compliant with national metrology requirements as they shall be distributed to the farmers.
