Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) Commissioner, Alita Mbahwe says small scale farmers are prone and tempted to cultivating illicit plants.
Ms. Mbahwe notes that though cash crops contribute to the country’s economic development, the Commission has placed its foot down to prevent the illegal cultivation of psychotropic substances such as Cannabis.
Ms. Mbahwe said the high prevalence of illicit crop cultivation and seizure of 54.1 tonnes of fresh cannabis plants from small scale farmers in 2017, is evidence enough for the farmers not to engage in cultivating cannabis.
The DEC Commissioner was speaking during the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Musika and her Commission in Lusaka today.
The MoU is aimed at promoting mutual co-operation and collaborative efforts to developing the small holder sector.
She stated that the partnership between the two institutions will open up opportunities and increase reach to smallholder markets countrywide by providing a platform for joint awareness and sensitization programmes.
And speaking at the same function, Musika Managing Director, Reuben Banda said the partnership aims to support the delivery services of micro, small and medium sized agribusiness in the country.
The MoU seeks to provide technical expertise and information in enhancing alternative cash crops cultivation among the farmers.
ZANIS/ENDS/AZ/MDM
