LUNTE member of Parliament Felix Mutati says the agriculture sector has potential to resuscitate the economy during its difficult time if the diversification programme is well implemented.
“Government should address the issue of diversifying the economy from mining to agriculture in a systematic and pragmatic manner,” he said.
President Lungu recently launched an economic recovery plan that includes making agriculture the country’s economic mainstay.
Mr Mutati described 2015 as the most difficult year because of the economic challenges that have not only affected Zambia, but the world as a whole.
He said the weakening of the Kwacha against major currencies and the rise in inflation are some of the challenges facing the country
“We have seen prices of commodities going up because of the economic challenges the country has faced,’’ Mr Mutati said.
He commended President Lungu for announcing measures to arrest the economic challenges the country is facing.
He said the economic recovery plan as announced by President Lungu is good, but observed that good economic measures are usually frustrated at implementation level.
He said Government needs to ensure prudent implementation of its policies.
The former minister of Commerce and Industry said the mining sector will continue giving the country problems because of the unpredictability of metal prices on the international market.
He said the country needs to diversify its economic activities to offset the negative terms of trade in the mining industry.
Mr Mutati said Government should consider completing pending projects in the agriculture sector such as the Nansanga farm block in Serenje.
He said the tourism sector could also help boost Zambia’s economic activities if well-harnessed.
He further appealed to Government to adhere to the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s austerity measures to regain investor confidence which is a critical factor in reviving the economy.
We can evaluate the recommendations of the IMF, filter out any recommended policy we deem asphyxiation scheme of the recovery momentum. Zambian experts and not IMF advisors are better vested to understand our economic variables and their dependances.
Bottomline, we should not curve in to the pitch push8ng us to borrow from IMF. Their package is always toxic to weak economies. Instead of being a panacea, they cloud out development.
No doubt Agriculture is one of the levers of sustainable development. Like tourism, let’s strategically move into this domain gravitating with political will and public realization for a full throttle. Mozambique, DRC, Angola, Congo B, the Sundan and markets beyond would lock in our exports. Let’s look at investing in mechanized farming now among the many potential areas needing development. Time to diversify the economy is now.
Typical Zambian thinking – waiting for the crisis, then BEATING OUR CHESTS ABOUT DIVERSIFYING – How many blo.ody years have we been singing this song?? – & REALLY DONE NOTHING ABOUT IT?? Sorry, I FORGOT HE HAPPENED TO BE A MINISTER BEFORE – did he push for that to happen??
NOW AFTER ALL. THESE YEARS OUR LEADERS A WAKING UP TO THE FACT THAT OUR ECONOMY NEEDS TO DIVERSIFY. MR MUTATI IS VERY PRAGMATIC AND KNOWLEDGEABLE IN ECONOMIC AND GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS. WE TAKE YOUR OBSERVATIONS QUITE SERIOUSLY. HOWEVER ONE CAN NOT HELP BUT NOTICE THAT YOU HAVE BEEN ON AN OUT RIGHT QUEST TO INCREASE YOUR RELEVANCE IN N THE POLITICAL PROCESS. PLEASE BE CAREFUL HOW YOU RIDE AND HOW YOU WAGE YOU BETS. YOU RAN THE RISK OF APPEARING TO HAVE MOTIVES OTHER THAN THOSE THAT ARE MEANT TO ENHANCE THE NATIONS AGENDA. THANK YOU FOR YOUR MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR NATION AND WE NLY HOPE THAT YOU CONTINUE TO DO SO DILIGENTLY. YOU ARE WALKING A VERY TIGHT ROPE. GOOD LUCK TO YOU.
Be careful on how you ride and wage your bet. Great advice to Felix. Respect think your political direction. The January one was a disaster!
Rethink not respect
Comment: In the 70s i was taught that copper is a waste asset and still is. Which leader took this issue seriously. Talk and no action is our problem.