By Isaac Zulu in Serenje
Patriotic Front cadres are part of my office, says President Edgar Lungu.
And President Lungu has urged the farming community to invest heavily in agriculture research before initiating the implementing and subsequent plating of new seed varieties.
Speaking when he launched Castor Seed Implementation Project in Chief Kabamba’s chiefdom in Serenje district, President Lungu, in his opening remarks, reminded Patriotic Front leaders at all party structures to take care of PF cadres because they will play a critical role in ensuring that the current Head of Sate retain power.
President Lungu stressed that PF cadres are foot soldiers that have played a critical role in the door to door campaigns in the run up to August 12 general election. He pointed out that Patriotic Front cadres have been loyal to the ruling party; hence the need to ensure that the PF retains power after the August 12 general election.
“I also wish to recognise the presence of my ever able Patriotic Front cadres present. I also wish to remind you that the PF cadres are part of my office. They play an influential role in ensuring that we win elections. And I know they will vote for me come August 12. So, I am urging all of you [PF party structures] to take care of them,” said President Lungu.
As he was concluding his remarks, President, however, reminded the audience that he was not campaigning for his Presidential candidature. Meanwhile, President has implored the farming community to ensure that they invest heavily in agriculture research before initiating the implementing and subsequent plating of new seed varieties.
The Head of State stated that, so far, farmers that have decided to go into crop diversification in castor seed production have not yielded desired results; hence the need for the farming community to ensure that they maxmise on the untapped but viable farm product.
President Lungu explained that the by-products extracted from castor seeds have the potential to contribute to the growth of small scale farmers’ income generation at household level and, subsequently; significantly contribute to national food security.
President Lungu further pledged his government’s continued commitment support to the agriculture sector, stressing that “this in tandem with the Patriotic Front manifesto; which the PF government has prioritized the agriculture sector as a mainstay of the country’s economy.”
And President Lungu has reminded Patriotic Front to remain united as the country heads towards the August 12 polls. Shortly after landing at Chief Serenje Primary School, whilst greeting Defence Forces, Patriotic Front Members of the Central Committee and some PF aspiring candidates ate parliamentary, mayoral and local candidates, President Lungu, who spoke in the local narrative emphasised on the need for PF members to remain united and embrace new comers as the country heads to the general polls.
