Looks very positive!24 Apr 2017 16:18
TRYNESS TEMBO, Lusaka
AN ENERGY expert has called on Government to promote the growing of biofuel crops and utilise the blue economy, which refers to the water body-based economy to help create employment and reduce poverty in Luapula Province.
Energy Forum Zambia chairperson Johnstone Chikwanda said biofuel crops such as cassava and sorghum using out-grower schemes remain one of the most viable options for job creation and poverty reduction.
Mr Chikwanda said in a statement availed to the Daily Mail on Friday that the biofuels industry will save Zambia about US$200 million per year in foreign exchange outflow based on projected national consumption.
“Hope for Luapula lies around effective agriculture such as the growing of biofuel crops and a better utilisation of the blue economy. The blue economy in Luapula has systematically been depleted without adequate measures to safeguard and expand it.
“Last year, President Lungu laid a foundation stone for a biofuels plant in Kawambwa, which is going to be using crops such as cassava. This plant will consume hundreds of tonnes of cassava and sorghum for a ready market,” he said.
On the removals of fuel subsidies, Mr Chikwanda said the move will also make the price of the commodity become attractive to support the growth of biofuel crops.
He also urged Government to urgently roll out the reforms in the petroleum sector to unlock the potential of the industry
Currently, Government is disengaging from the procurement of finished petroleum products and will be undertaken by the private sector effective July 1.
He, however, called on Government to sustain the momentum around oil and gas exploration in Luapula Province and other adjacent geographical areas.
Meanwhile, Mr Chikwanda said the challenges that have hindered the development of the mining sector in the province need to be addressed to tap into the reserves of high-grade manganese whose global demand has been increasing
He said there is need to establish how the mining sector can be unlocked and supported through specific incentives in the province.
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