President Hichilema launched the 2023-2024 planting season in Nyimba District, located within Chief Ndake’s Chiefdom in Eastern Province, Zambia. President Hakainde Hichilema reiterated the commitment of the United Party for National Development (UPND) government to elevate agriculture as Zambia’s leading sector.
“Our UPND government remains determined to turn agriculture into Zambia’s number one sector,” affirmed President Hichilema during the launch. The occasion not only signifies the commencement of the planting season but also emphasizes the government’s strategic focus on agricultural development.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by climate change, President Hichilema highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to formulate effective strategies for promoting irrigation agriculture on both small and large scales. Recognizing the significance of this sector to the nation’s economy, the government aims to enhance resilience against climatic uncertainties.
In a bid to ensure widespread access to farming inputs, particularly for citizens in the public sector, the government has entered into partnerships with banks. These collaborations seek to facilitate the availability of financial resources for individuals engaged in agricultural activities.
“To produce enough for household and national food security, we must push up productivity,” emphasized President Hichilema. The government has also taken steps to secure markets for agricultural products, ensuring that in the event of surplus production, exports can contribute to the country’s economic growth.
The President called upon all citizens to actively participate in utilizing every acre of land to increase yield per acre. This collective effort, he stressed, is integral to achieving the government’s vision of transforming Zambia into a regional and continental bread basket.
President Hichilema encouraged a business-oriented approach to farming, he urged the nation to collectively embrace the agricultural sector as a cornerstone of economic prosperity.
President Hakainde Hichilema, during his visit to Nyimba , held a significant meeting with traditional leaders from Eastern Province, emphasizing the importance of collaboration for agricultural development. Acknowledging the crucial role of agriculture in the province’s economy, President Hichilema underscored the need for increased food production to ensure regional and national food security.
“It was good to note that the chiefs stand ready to support us, work with us, and ensure that more food is produced in their Chiefdoms to ensure food security,” stated President Hichilema. Eastern Province, with its agricultural significance, plays a pivotal role in the government’s vision to position agriculture as a key sector in Zambia.
The President expressed gratitude to the traditional leaders, referring to them as partners in service to the people of Zambia. He conveyed optimism about working collaboratively to enhance and secure the livelihoods of citizens in the region.
“Our UPND government remains determined to turn agriculture into Zambia’s number one sector,” affirmed President Hichilema.
President Hichilema has since returned to Lusaka after a fruitful working visit to Eastern Province.
The use of oxen in agriculture is discouraged in the context of addressing climate change due to the significant methane emissions, land use requirements, and inefficiency associated with this practice. As the global community strives to transition towards more sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices, it becomes imperative to consider the environmental implications of traditional methods such as oxen use. By prioritizing the adoption of modern, low-emission agricultural technologies, it is possible to mitigate the environmental impact of agriculture and contribute to global efforts to address climate change.
UPND administration time.
What is your proposal, what is your alternative to oxen that has lower emmissions?
@Daniel
don’t think like a cow.
Methane emissions in Africa I dont think so
We’re just the fortunate ones who live within a lifetime of the peak and the crisis that will follow if we don’t learn fast to act more wisely than in the past. If we persist in thinking outside time, we will not surmount the unprecedented problems raised by climate change. We cannot rely on the standard menu of political solutions, because those problems are defined by the failure of our present political systems. Only by thinking in time do we have a chance to thrive for centuries more.”-Lee Smolin
White gloves to work????
Yes to protect himself from poisoning…..!!
While it’s important to recognize the significance of engaging with peasant farmers and addressing the challenges they face, it’s equally crucial for leaders to engage with and address the needs of all segments of society. A more inclusive approach that takes into account the diverse needs and aspirations of the entire population, including students, professionals, and union workers, is essential for effective governance and sustainable development. Leaders should strive to create policies and initiatives that benefit all citizens and promote the overall well-being of the nation.
This is how this president would like to be portrayed and that’s how we see him. A village man who is trying to take Zambia back to the stone ages. Those white gloves don’t make sense and that’s why we question some of his policies because deep down he may think that he is doing the right thing. Don’t ask a 21st century child to use oxen when they can google easier ways. Think smarter and not work harder.
@Zed you are useless. Young’s NEED to work hard when Young and when they grow they change type of work. Just imagine if ALL PEOPLE SHOULD be sitted and working smart?? Then who WILL DO DIRT JOB??
HH is putting cloves protect himself against “POISONING”, he is ALWAYS at RISK MOST TIMES.
@Anderson, Malabish! do you think it’s economical to use oxen in this day and age? You think unless you sweat that’s when you will be appreciated for hard work? If that’s your way of thinking then try walking from your village to the city and back and show the young ones how it’s done. Use your head, not your strength.
He is not wanted in Eastern that f00l. Let him remain in monze
@Kaizer Eastern gave us ALOT IF VOTES. We share the same agricultural life, more it’s becoming our second home. Lungu will get Zero eveiin his village in 2026….!!
Lungu now known as the cockroach kiikiki
so will his new party be forward the cockroach
Putting on ” scared of being poisoned” Death will always strike whether with groves or without. Scared of the unknown and your own shadow. Ubututufye bwekabweka!That is why he is even scared to shift to state house. He is scared of the ghosts and spooks. What a weird way of thinking!!Very backward and uncivilized.
Cockroach united party coming soon
……
In this setting, the cow is the most environmentally friendly farm implement……..
You use what is at hand………..
Let’s develop this country called zambia
Forward 2031…….
The more subsidy towards production is in direct proportional to more yields. Not undercutting FISP or introducing credit loans to peasant farmers who don’t even own a bank account & yet are the ones responsible for 80% of the maize production. You cut FISP & give loans to civil servants who are busy with work how do you expect them to do farming. We all know remote farming doesn’t work. Regimes change because of maize. If it ain’t broken don’t fix.
Get the money for loans and give inputs to more FISP beneficiaries. Anyway the season is gone it will be a nice experiment to learn from your mistakes next year. But be assured of hunger and forget about exporting surplus maize to Tanzania Congo or Malawi Hunger Hinde.
This is a proper failed government. They have banned mukula…and yet a truck carrying mukula got involved in a road accident…this is why liars are dangerous then thieves because it’s impossible to the position of a liar, you simply can’t tell their stand… Zambia is in trouble. At the rate minerals are been stolen. God have mercy on Zambia.