PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has urged farmers to take advantage of having a farmer for a president and seek assistance from government whenever they need help.
Commissioning the first ever 2024 winter Maize harvest in Mpongwe District yesterday, President Hichilema reiterated government’s support towards farmers noting that the current administration was ready to sponsor any farmer that would come with a vision.
He also noted that farmers were doing well so far in responding to the government’s call to invest in winter maize amid the drought that hit the country.
“If it was not for your quick response as farmers, the country would have imported more maize. And as government, we increased the price of maize to encourage farmers and institutions like Zambeef to produce more. Here we are, courtesy of Zambeef launching the first ever Winter Maize Harvest,” said President Hichilema.
The President also took time to thank other companies that have taken the initiative of investing in farming in order to contribute to the national food basket.
President Hichilema also commissioned the 12 Million United States Dollars Zambeef Wheat Flour Milling Plant in the same district.
He revealed that the wheat milling plant is aimed at contributing to meeting the target of producing one meillion metric tonnes of wheat flour in the country.
“Along this chain, there is increased production, crop production, we are targeting a million tonnes of wheat, 10 million tonnes of maize. Zambeef is doing wheat and maize and then value addition to this level, from here to another level for the table, for you and many others who don’t produce anything to consume.”
“This is the meaning of value addition and contributing to the economic growth. We need to deal with the challenges like businesses and energy. We need to deal with the issues of irrigation.”
The Wheat Plant is expected to produce 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat flour per year as stated by the company.
And Zambeef Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Faith Mukutu said the two activities is the company’s way of responding to the government’s calls to produce Winter Maize.
Mukutu stated that the firm has a maize growing initiative which will yield about seven tonnes per hectare.
“Our projects are aimed at boosting food security, job creation and reduced production costs. This will have a positive impact on the local community and economy at large. We are making sure that not only do we meet the local demand but also tapping into the export markets in the neighboring countries,” she said.
And Agriculture Minister Mtolo Phiri commended President Hichilema for having created a safe environment for companies to invest in farming.
Phiri stated that this will ensure more maize and wheat production, adding to the country’s food basket.
Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) President Jervis Zimba appealed to the government to take interest in research so as to ensure that winter maize production thrives.
Zimba noted that research will ensure that there is no stop in producing the staple food for it will help provide guidelines.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, October 11, 2024
