FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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NOVEMBER 10 , 2021
ZAMBIAN BREWERIES CULTIVATES STRONG PARTNERSHIPS IN CASSAVA BROWN STREAK DISEASE FIGHT
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Zambian Breweries has partnered with cassava value chain stakeholders to contain the brown streak disease affecting farmers across the country.
Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) is a devastating disease that leads to significant losses in cassava root yields in susceptible varieties.
Zambian Breweries is a large stakeholder in the local cassava sub-sector with the crop being a key ingredient in the production of its iconic affordable Eagle Lager.
“We recently had a meeting as stakeholders to look at how to approach the issue regarding Cassava Brown Streak Disease,” explained Zambian Breweries Agriculture Manager Chris Nicolle.
“We have identified several risk factors that aid the spread of this disease. These include unregulated interprovincial movement of potentially infected material as well as farmers sharing stems, tubers, and other materials in infected areas. We are working closely with local authorities and farmers to identify and map out as many spreading vectors as possible so that we can develop adequate intervention strategies.”
“The process is still in its early stages. We are currently working with the Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI) to release two new disease resistant varieties that are identified as ‘improved types,” he added.
“The use of clean, symptomless resistant varieties is the most sustainable way of controlling Cassava brown streak disease.”
In recent years, Zambian Breweries has invested in creating cassava varieties that are potentially less prone to diseases through its Smart Agriculture programmes.
The smart agriculture initiative, which started in 2016, has helped farmers in Luapula and Northern provinces to access fresh clean cassava seed.
Mr Nicolle noted that community sensitisation was a key step in combating the disease adding that once famers were made aware of the threat posed by the disease, they would be more willing to implement preventive measures and help eliminate risk factors in their operations.
“Community sensitisation will play a big role in containing the disease. We are looking at several initiatives targeted at small-holder farmers,” he said.
The brewer has enjoyed cordial relations with other players on the local agricultural value chain. The company’s Agriculture Manager currently sits on the Zambia National Cassava Association (ZANACA) board.
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About AB InBev in Zambia
Zambian Breweries Plc is part of Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the largest brewer in the world, with more than 400 beer brands and some 200,000 employees in over 50 countries. It is also one of the world’s largest bottlers of soft drinks.
Zambian Breweries was established in Zambia in 1968 and its product range has grown to include clear beers such as Mosi Lager, Castle, Carling Black Label, Eagle, Stella Artois, and Budweiser.
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