Angola self-sufficient in food in five years is a possibility, if it solves the problems of human capital, logistics and the market, said last Tuesday the minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Francisco de Assis.
To overcome this challenge, the government official, who was speaking at the “Grande Entrevista” (great interview) spot, a program of the Public Television of Angola (TPA), considered it equally essential to take into account the agricultural calendar, with the acquisition and application of fertilizer in a timely manner.
Based on the sector’s indicators, he emphasized that by 2022 the country could reach three million tonnes in cereals and 13 to 14 million tonnes in roots and tubers.
He recognized that there are deficiencies in terms of human capital, hence the work in progress so that these professionals can be prepared and trained.
Recognizing the struggles in accessing fertilizers and the high prices for their acquisition, he said that the country needs a minimum of 60,000 tonnes annually.
He said it was difficult for the agriculture sector, especially family farming, with one bag of fertilizer being sold at AKz 30k and the bag of urea at AKz 20k.
“Our second independence will happen when the country has a fertilizer factory that functions according to the different characteristics of the country’s agro-climatic regions”, he desired.
Also read: The creation of the “Investment Single Window” in Angola
One of the big problems that hamper the development of agriculture, pointed out the minister, has to do with the difficulties of product flow, this being an activity for the players in the area of commerce, distribution, transport, among others.
The other constraint of the agricultural sector, according to the government official, has to do with the primacy given to the imported product, a situation that generates distortions in the market.
In relation to the sector’s challenges, he said that the main one is the sustainability of the national economy.
He stated that it is not possible to develop agricultural activity with many deficiencies in matters of logistics, such as inputs, fertilizers, pesticides, hoes, machetes, bags, among other “inputs” that are imported.
Situation of the ship Baía Farta
The minister explained that, due to the damage recorded in the scientific research ship “Baía Farta”, the Agriculture and Fisheries sector is negotiating the extension of the purchase guarantee, which is due to end in July.
The ship has malfunctions in the winch system, in the computer part, among other non-conformities and was undergoing repair, an activity that was interrupted due to Covid-19, which made it impossible for technicians to be present in the country.
He said that Baía Farta, a scientific research ship, manufactured in Romania, presented a set of non-conformities, but part of the problem has already been solved.
Original article: “Angola may become self-sufficient in food in five years” – Angop
