ZESCO asked to supply reliable power to ZNS milling plants
By Rosemary Kamanga
Acting Minister of Defence, Douglas Syakalima, has urged ZESCO management to work closely with Zambia National Service (ZNS) to ensure a reliable power supply for milling plants and farm activities.
Mr. Syakalima says the government wants ZNS to scale up its milling capacity, enhance maize grain output, diversify crop production, and adopt advanced mechanized farming techniques in 2025 and beyond.
Speaking at the 2024 ZNS Annual Ball in Lusaka last night, Mr. Syakalima acknowledged the challenges posed by the 2023/24 drought, which severely impacted the farming season and national food security.
He said despite the challenges, the ZNS partnered with private millers to produce Eagles Mealie Meal, making the staple food available to most Zambians at a relatively lower price.
ZNS Commander, Lieutenant General Maliti Solochi, said the service will, in the 2024/2025 farming season, cultivate over 1,000 hectares of early maize under irrigation, with a projected yield of over 14,000 tons.
Lieutenant General Solochi further expressed optimism about the re-introduction of the National Service Voluntary Programme, citing its potential to transform the lives of young Zambians.
He said the National Service is ready to carry out the program.
