07/04/2025
Western Province PS Urges Mikalo Finance and FDCU to Empower Farmers and Cooperatives.
Mongu, Western Province – Michelo Malambo Jnr.
Western Province Permanent Secretary, Simomo Sebastian Akapelwa, has called on Mikalo Finance and the Farmers Development Cooperative Union (FDCU) to actively support and strengthen farmer systems and cooperatives across the province.
Speaking during a courtesy call by Mikalo and FDCU, Mr. Akapelwa emphasized the province’s potential to become a major producer of rice, millet, and cassava, urging the expansion of production areas and investment in scalable farming systems.
He highlighted the importance of empowering farmers and cooperatives to boost food security, job creation, and rural development.
In response, Mikalo Finance Executive Director Michael Zulu affirmed the organization's commitment to providing tailored financial services such as input loans, irrigation, SME loans, and salary-backed products, designed to improve productivity and empower small-scale farmers.
FDCU Administrative Director George Siyunda clarified that only registered cooperatives and affiliated businesses would access Mikalo’s services.
He encouraged farmers to take responsibility, join cooperatives, and adopt a business-minded approach to agriculture.
This collaboration between Mikalo, FDCU, and the provincial government marks a significant step toward sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment in Western Province.