President Lungu notes need for farmers to increase productivity
Republican President Edgar Lungu
President Edgar Lungu has noted that for agriculture to become profitable and meet the cost of production there is need for farmers to increase productivity.
Speaking when he graced the 113th Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) annual congress in Lusaka under the theme “Main staying agriculture as a key economic driver”, President Lungu says once farmers have achieved high levels of productivity, they will become competitive in the market at national and regional levels.
He notes that despite scoring some successes, some challenges continue being faced in the agricultural sector.
President Lungu says low levels of productivity and lack of competitiveness especially among small-scale farmers still remains a challenge.
He adds that for the agricultural sector to develop, it is imperative that progressive initiatives which benefit the farming communities are employed.
President Lungu has also implored farmers to work hard to ensure that they graduate from one level to another.
And President Lungu has implored the private sector to come on board and play a leading role in agricultural marketing.
He has since urged the financial institutions, especially the banking sector to avail the much needed finances to the private sector for the purchase of agricultural produce at reasonable terms.
Meanwhile President Lungu says the Democratic Republic of Congo has requested for maize from Zambia.
President Lungu says government is yet to decide on matter.
And President Lungu has ordered the Minister of agriculture Michael Katambo to organize an urgent meeting with stakeholders in the agriculture sector to addressing challenges in the sector.
Speaking earlier, ZNFU President Jervis Zimba called on President Lungu to intervene and address the challenges facing farmers in the country.