Government Rolls Out Soil Testing Kits to All Districts to Transform Farming Practices

The Ministry of Agriculture has distributed soil testing kits to all districts across Zambia in a strategic move aimed at revolutionising farming practices and boosting agricultural productivity among small scale farmers.

Acting Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr. Chizumba Shepande, said the initiative will enable agriculture extension officers to promote soil testing as a fundamental practice for improved crop yields.

Speaking during World Soil Day commemorations at the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) in Chilanga District, Dr. Shepande announced that the Ministry has also acquired modern laboratory soil testing equipment and reagents for ZARI, funded by the African Development Bank.

He added that the Ministry, partnering with FAO and other institutions, is conducting comprehensive nationwide soil sampling and mapping to promote balanced soil fertility management.

FAO Officer in Charge Mtendere Mphatso reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to national soil health initiatives, highlighting support for sustainable land management, fertilizer optimisation trials, and data development. He noted that FAO has equipped ZARI with resources exceeding $1 million, including laptops, tablets, and GPS units.

ZARI Acting Director Dr. Ndashe Kapulu emphasised the institute's ongoing efforts to introduce climate smart agricultural practices through targeted research to strengthen sector resilience.