Government Approves Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP)

The government has green lit the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP) in a bid to bolster the agricultural sector.

This decision, approved during the 6th Cabinet Meeting chaired by President Hichilema, marks a step toward updating the sector’s existing policy and institutional framework.

Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, said that the cabinet has opted to implement the 2024/2025 Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) using a hybrid modality. This approach will improve efficiency, curtail governmental costs, and ensure the continuation of the FISP Migration Plan, which continues to promote diversity in crops, agricultural income, and household income among small-scale farmers.

The government also approved the creation of the African Risk Capacity (ARC) Agency in Zambia. The ARC will function as a specialised agency under the African Union, assisting member states to mitigate the risks that come as a result of extreme weather events and natural disasters to safeguard citizen welfare.

In addition to these measures, Mweetwa announced the government’s approval for hosting a workshop on Technical Negotiations between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting the government’s commitment to collaborative action. The workshop will finalise the Draft Bilateral Agreement for the formation of the Luapula River Authority.