The Department Of Agricultural Services

The Department of Agriculture Services is responsible for the provision of agricultural extension services to farmers in Petauke district in accordance with the Ministry of Agriculture’s mandate that is to facilitate the development of a diversified, competitive and sustainable agricultural sector for food, nutrition and income security. This is in accordance with the Government Gazette Notice No. 1123 of 2021.

Sections
  • Agriculture
  • Agribusiness & Marketing
  • Human Resource & Administration

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Functions
  • Promote the use of improved crop varieties and certified seed
  • Promote the efficient use of available water resources for irrigation
  • Promote high value irrigable crops among small and medium scale farmers
  • Promote the establishment of irrigation schemes especially for small scale farmers
  • Promote Public-Private Partnerships in dissemination of research technology
  • Promote the establishment of income generating ventures at the Farmer Training Centre
  • Promote private sector participation in agricultural markets for inputs and outputs
  • Strengthen the capacity of farmer groups and cooperatives in production, processing, marketing and trade
  • Promote a pay-back culture in agricultural credit management particularly among smallholder farmers (conduct sensitization campaigns)
  • Promotion of agricultural insurance
  • Strengthen coordination among all stakeholders in the sector (hold sector annual reviews and sector planning meetings)
  • Promote diversification of agricultural production and utilization (conduct training in food processing & preservation, increase crop diversification index)
  • Promote the production, preservation and utilization of indigenous crop varieties and nutrient rich foods
  • Determine and reduce post- harvest losses (construct/rehabilitate community sheds, fumigation)
  • Develop and promote water harvesting, storage and utilization infrastructure
  • Promote and strengthen agricultural production methods that are resilient to climate change
  • Promote environmentally friendly and climate smart farming systems
  • Promote gender mainstreaming training, knowledge and skills in the agriculture sector
Functions that have been Devolved
  • Extension Services- Crop production, Food & Nutrition, Irrigation, Farm Power & Mechanisation and Land Management
  • Agri-business & Marketing

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