Catabola: The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Isaac dos Anjos, initiated a significant infrastructure project in Catabola, Bi© province, by laying the first stone for the construction of the Chicava, Sande, and Missene irrigation perimeters.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the endeavor spans approximately 147.45 kilometers and aims to benefit over nine thousand farmers and a total of 35 thousand people. The project is designed to enhance local family farming, improve food security, reduce import dependence, and boost agricultural sales. Additionally, it includes the rehabilitation of 110 kilometers of road, with specific sections being Cuito-Chicava (46 km), Catabola-Missene (19 km), and Catabola-Sande (45 km).
The project also includes the deployment of three vans, nine motorcycles, various farming inputs, four thousand seeders, two thousand multicultivators, and the construction of a warehouse for product storage. Furthermore, eight agricultural mechanization brigades will be established to support the initiative. The total budget is set at 97 million 845 thousand dollars, funded by the Executive and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and is expected to be completed in 24 months under the supervision of Alcaal Angola-Investimento e Participa§o Lda.
The Minister urged the local population to persist in agricultural activities, emphasizing their importance for community development and poverty alleviation. He reiterated the ministry's commitment to supporting peasant families and private initiatives aimed at boosting agriculture and diversifying the national economy.
Provincial Governor of Bi©, Celeste Adolfo, highlighted agriculture as the principal activity for the local populace, noting its significance for food security and national sovereignty. The launch event featured an exhibition of agricultural products from 19 municipalities and showcased the establishment of a field school.
The minister also confirmed the operational status of Avi¡rio Passos Alegres (AVIPAL), a poultry enterprise in Cuito focusing on egg production. With daily production reaching eight to nine thousand eggs, the minister encouraged continued efforts to contribute to the national economy's diversification.
Scheduled for Tuesday are visits to the Soil Analysis Laboratory of the Instituto Superior Polit©cnico Ndunduma and the Chicava Perimeter in CambSndua, along with observations of the National Wheat Massification Program in Sili and a visit to the '1ª Meta Jovem' Cooperative in Chinguar.
