HH commends farmers

By Musenge Mulimba

President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has commended farmers for responding to the government’s call to produce early and winter Maize amid the drought that hit the country.

Speaking after launching the 2024 winter Maize harvest at ZAMBEEF Farms in Mpongwe District, President HICHILEMA praised ZAMBEEF for being part of the response to ensure the country’s food basket is secured.

He said if it was not for the farmers’ quick response, the country would have imported more maize.

President HICHILEMA also said the government decided to increase the price of Maize to encourage farmers and institutions like ZAMBEEF to produce more.

And ZAMBEEF Chief Executive Officer FAITH MUKUTU said the firm has answered government’s calls to produce early and Winter Maize.

Ms. MUKUTU said ZAMBEEF is expected to yield about seven tonnes per hectare under its maize growing initiative.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister REUBEN MTOLO called for continued partnership between ZAMBEEF and the Government to ensure more maize production.

Zambia National Farmers Union –ZNFU- President JERVIS ZIMBA promised President HICHILEMA that there will be a continuation of winter Maize production but also appealed for more research to be done so that the exercise is a success.

And Acting British High Commissioner to Zambia SAM WALDOCK described the launch of the harvest of Winter Maize as a symbolism of growth and resilience.