By Jane Chanda
President Hakainde Hichilema has underscored the critical role of traditional leaders in driving agricultural productivity, emphasising that they must receive their farming inputs by September this year.
Speaking yesterday in Mumbwa, President Hichilema said it was imperative that traditional leaders, who were pivotal stakeholders in the nation’s development, led by example in encouraging production and productivity.
The President asserted during a meeting with six traditional leaders from Mumbwa district at Amatheon Agri Farms in Mumbwa.
On delayed distribution of fertilizer to chiefs in Mumbwa district, President Hichilema questioned why the chiefs in Mumbwa did not received their fertilizer when the government policy explicitly allowed for all of them to receive inputs.
He stressed that traditional leaders must champion irrigation farming, particularly in the face of drought.
“With the devastating effects of drought ravaging our country, it is crucial that our chiefs support their people in adopting irrigation farming methods to mitigate its impact,” he said.
President Hichilema also addressed the issue of bush fires, warning against their detrimental effects on cattle grazing.
“Let us desist from igniting bush fires, as they deprive our cattle of food and exacerbate the hunger situation,” he said.
President Hichilema said his government was doing the best to ensure that people had access to food, and appreciated the support of our traditional leaders in this endeavor
Speaking on behalf of other traditional leaders, Chief Mulendema of Mumbwa district expressed gratitude for the government’s efforts to address hunger and fulfill its promise of constructing Chiefs’ palaces.
The meeting was attended by Chiefs Shakumbila, Moono, Mumba, Chibuluma, and Kaindu.
President Hichilema’s visit to Mumbwa was part of his tour of Amatheon Agri Farms, aimed at promoting agricultural development and productivity in the region.
