By LINDA SATARO
The National Government has committed K1 billion over the next 10 years for agricultural development.
The money will be used by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock through its national agriculture development plan (NADP) under the government’s mediumterm development strategy (MTDS).
Of this amount, K100 million would be used each year for the next 10 years to carry out existing and new projects on a monthly basis.
Agriculture and Livestock Minister John Hickey said the Government had initially put up K80 million but this has been increased by another K20 million starting next year until 2019.
Mr Hickey said he was pleased with the Government’s commitment towards DAL as it was good food security.
However agriculture needs to develop its commercial potentials.
He said the Government was spending more on agriculture because 86% of the population depend heavily on agricultural activities.
Mr Hickey said agriculture is a massive industry that had the potential to increase export revenue.
Mr Hickey said from his observations, projects under NADP had not been properly implemented due to “bureaucratic bottlenecks”.
He emphasised that he would not be tolerating such impediments, which are hindering progress.
“You either shape up or ship out,” he said referring to agricultural officials.
Mr Hickey said since coming into this ministry seven months ago, he has been unclogging the ‘bottlenecks’ to bring DAL forward.
He said there were 16 approved projects under NADP, which are going to be implemented in four weeks time, while two new projects should be carried every month.
Chief secretary to Government Issac Lupari backed Mr Hickey’s warning on the “bottlenecks”.
He said it was time DAL had a “reality check” to move ahead with its plans and progress.
Mr Lupari said there were many nationals who are qualified to carry out the jobs in implementing the necessary project but either the bosses are not performing or their staff are not doing their job.
He said this held back the progress and voiced the need for the department to work collectively with other stakeholders, agencies and people.
Mr Lupari said the Government has seen the importance of agriculture and livestock in the country.
“Opportunity comes only once and the department should make use of that opportunity,” he said.