ZAMBIA AND JAPAN DEEPEN AGRICULTURAL TIES WITH LAUNCH OF MOREDEP PHASE II

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Posted by admin on July 23, 2025 at 8:43 AM

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Government in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has officially launched Phase II of the Market-Oriented Rice Development Project (MOReDeP), a strategic initiative aimed at boosting food security, rural livelihoods, and agricultural diversification. Building on the success of Phase I, which improved rice productivity and farmer resilience, the second phase will expand into Rice research and innovation, Rural enterprise development and Capacity building at institutional and community levels. Rice is now recognized as a key cash crop in Zambia’s crop diversification strategy, Domestic production covers only half of national demand, with the shortfall imported from Asia and neighboring countries. The MOReDeP aims to double rice production, reduce reliance on maize, and improve farmer incomes Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Agriculture John Mulongoti praised Japan’s unwavering support, aligning the project with Zambia’s Vision 2030 and the Eighth National Development Plan. “Together, we are not only growing the rice sector for sustainable and resilient food systems, but also laying the foundation for a more prosperous and equitable future,” he stated. The project will also support the formation of rice clusters, promote climate-smart agriculture, and enhance market access for smallholder farmers