THE emotions of 41 year old farmer Lastone Kamangala from Ikeleng’i, Northwestern Province betrayed him as he did not know whether to cry, jump in joy or or smile after he was pronounced winner of a tractor.
Travelling about a thousand kilometers to get his prize, from the Limani Muwine Nafuti Nafuti promotion, Kamangala said he could not believe that he had won and thought he was about to be scammed.
Corteva initiated the competition last October in order to promote, among farmers, the usage of hybrid seeds.
Farmers were supposed to buy 10 kilogrames of Pannar seed in order to qualify for the competition and Kamangala happened to be the lucky winner.
“I could not believe it when they called me. I told my brother who advised me not to give them any money as they may be scammers,” Kamangala said.
“After confirming that it was true, I had a headache, I didn’t know whether to cry or to be happy.”
Kamangala said there was no way he could have imagined winning a tractor but God answered his prayers as it was his heart’s desire.
Agriculture minister Ruben Mtolo advised Kamangala to hire the track out for increased return
Mtolo also told him that the prize was not meant for his benefit only but was to benefit his community through him.
He also suggested to Corteva that they should to the prize other farming inputs as a loan so that it a complete package to enhance Kamangala’ farming.
And Corteva managing director said the campaign was not just a mere a promotion but a way to advocate for famers to stop using non hybrid seeds to increase their agriculture produce
Prior to the grand prize tractor handover today, other farmers walked away with other prizes ranging from ox- carts to solar panels.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba January 11, 2023
