EC releases funds to support Zambian farmers

The European Commission for Humanitarian Aid has allocated 900,000 euros (1.14 million U.S. dollars) to help support vulnerable but viable farmers in Zambia's Western Province, local media reported on Wednesday.

The project will support 6,000 households in the province, according to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS).

Maize and vegetable seeds will be allocated to the farmers and 200 treadle pumps will be distributed for irrigation purposes in the dry season.

Project coordinator Mpulu Makayi was cited as saying the project was also designed to train farmers in conservation farming and raise awareness on HIV/AIDS and gender issues.

The project, which started running in May this year, will come to the end in February 2007, ZANIS said.

Source: Xinhua