Continental Ginnery Promoting Crop Diversification in Eastern Zambia
Continental Ginnery Limited (CGL) a member of the Parrogate Group, an agricultural company is involved in cotton aggregation and processing. CGL is working with smallholder farmers of Masumba area, Eastern Province to provide training on the importance of crop diversification and buying good quality seed that results in high yields.
Veronica Nyendwa is a Lead farmer who has been working with CGL for 12 years. She expressed excitement with the expansion of CGL to increase the number of follower farmers who are beneficiaries of the trainings.
“We have learnt the value of crop rotation. Over the years, I have planted cotton, then sunflower and later soya beans on the same piece of land. I observed that this is helping to improve the soil,” Veronica said.
Veronica Nyendwa added that the profit from the sale of commodities to companies such as CGL are greatly improving the lives of many community households. She noted that her follower farmers consist of several women who are able to see the benefits of information provided by the company.
A smallholder farmer, Beza Levison, also of Masumba area, explained that CGL is helping the local community to recognize that as opposed to burning fields, farmers should consider slashing and utilizing the grass to mulch the soil.
Beza Levison added that, “I have been able to purchase a water pump for my tomato and cabbage garden. We also learnt the importance of gardening as a way of generating some income outside of the agricultural season.”
He further encouraged other farmers to avoid use of recycled seed and consider buying new seed which greatly increases yields.
Beza Levison expressed gratitude to companies like CGL who not only provide training to smallholder farmers but also provide seed on loan and off take market for farmers when the produce is ready.
Continental Ginnery Limited is supported by the European Union through the Enterprise Zambia Challenge Fund project implemented by Self Help Africa and Imani Development. The project is supporting the increased participation of smallholder farmers in market integrated, nutrition sensitive value chains.