HH wants Zambia to be food secure

By NATION REPORTER ZAMBIA is working at improving varieties of crops, livestock and enhance animal disease control and irrigation schemes in an effort to boost agriculture production to improve its quality of food for citizens, President Hakainde Hichilema has said. President Hichilema said Zambia is working at expanding and improving the provision of agriculture extension …

By NATION REPORTER ZAMBIA is working at improving varieties of crops, livestock and enhance animal disease control and irrigation schemes in an effort to boost agriculture production to improve its quality of food for citizens, President Hakainde Hichilema has said. President Hichilema said Zambia is working at expanding and improving the provision of agriculture extension services and equipment by providing affordable and tailored financial products to small-scale farmers. This is contained in a statement by First Secretary for press at the Permanent Mission of Zambia to the United Nations, Wallen Simwaka. Mr Hichilema said Zambia recognised the fact that the production of quality food should be complemented by a robust agricultural food chain, which should include the need to establish a good distribution network. He stated that apart from establishing a good food distribution network, it was important for nations to invest in food processing, preservation and marketing. Speaking when he delivered a pre-recorded statement during the Food Systems Summit at the United Nations (UN) in New York, Mr Hichilema said appropriate technology, innovation and agriculture research were key levers for enhancing productivity and improving food security. “Zambia would like to improve varieties of crops, livestock and enhance animal disease control and irrigation schemes. We are also working on expanding and improving the provision of agriculture extension services and equipment as well as provide affordable tailored financial products to small scale farmers. I am confident that the implementation of these actions will have positive impact in guaranteeing food security systems,” President Hichilema said.