President Hichilema calls for a production drive under the Grow Zambia agenda

President Hakainde Hichilema has challenged Zambians to turn the Grow Zambia agenda into a production drive, saying the country must become a producer of goods rather than a consumer.

Speaking at the Samu lya Moomba Traditional Ceremony in Monze on Sunday, the President urged traditional leaders, Members of Parliament and local authorities to work with communities to unlock production in agriculture, mining, tourism and energy.

He said Southern Province can make a major contribution to national food security, particularly through wheat and soya bean production. Leading by example, President Hichilema said he is currently harvesting 400 hectares of irrigated wheat in the province, which is selling at about US$550 per tonne.

The President also called on the province to make the most of its energy and mining potential, including expanding gypsum production to create jobs and increase export earnings.

On livestock, he said Government will continue to support farmers by investing in water infrastructure and disease control. He urged communities to work towards a target of US$1 billion in annual livestock exports.

With a drought expected, President Hichilema encouraged farmers to keep enough maize for their households, stressing that food security starts at community and household level. He added that Government will prioritise better grain storage closer to where crops are grown.

In a personal gesture to the area, the President pledged to provide a pontoon from his own resources for communities that rely on water transport.