President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has been urged by the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) to depoliticize the agricultural industry.
Farmers need policy guidance, according to ZNFU President JERVIS ZIMBA, to produce more.
According to Mr. ZIMBA, Zambia has the capacity to produce roughly 7. 5 million tons of maize yearly once industry-related obstacles are overcome.
At a meeting with President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA at State House, Mr. ZIMBA made this statement on behalf of the Farmers Union, the Grain Traders Association of Zambia, and the Lunsemfwa Dam Association.
Grain Traders Association Chairperson GEORGE LIACOPOULOS noted at the same gathering that a market-driven agriculture sector is essential to making sure that maize growing is treated as a business.
According to COSTAIN CHILALA, chair of the Lunsemfwa Dam Association, the government should invest more in water harvesting to ensure that farmers always have access to water for irrigating their crops.
Additionally, President HICHILEMA stated that the government is willing to hear from farmers on the best ways to address the issues causing low maize yields.
Farmers should feel free to communicate with the government, according to the president, and not only whine about what isn’t working.
Zambia should be utilizing its advantageous location and abundant natural resources, including water and large areas of land, to meet regional demand, according to President HICHILEMA.
According to the president, if farmers work with the government to address issues in the industry, Zambia can satisfy a market of more than 300 million people in the area.
