PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has said that Zambia produced a record of 2.7 million tonnes of maize in the 2015/2016 farming season despite the difficult weather pattern that the country experienced.
Mr Lungu said those who doubt the Patriotic Front (PF) Government’s resolve and capabilities to confront economic challenges Zambia was faced with must be ashamed at the remarkable success the country had achieved in the 2015/2016 farming season.
He said despite the difficult weather pattern, the success had not come by an accident as it was as a result of clear decisions that the Government made to restructure both the input distribution mechanisms and crop marketing exercise.
Mr Lungu was speaking in Livingstone today at AVANI Victoria Falls Hotel when he officiated at the 2016 World Farmers Organisation (WFO) 6th General Assembly.
The WFO General Assembly, which is held being held under the theme ‘Partnerships for Growth’, has attracted representatives of 517 million farmers scattered around the world.
“Those who doubt our resolve and capabilities to confront challenges must be ashamed at the remarkable success we have achieved in the 2015/2016 farming season which has recorded a record 2.7 tonnes of maize.
“Despite the difficult weather pattern, the success has not come by an accident but it is as a result of our clear decisions we made to restructure both the input distribution mechanisms and crop marketing exercise,” Mr Lungu said.
He said basal dressing fertilizers were in the field by May last year while all farmers were paid by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) in 2015 for the first time in decades.
Mr Lungu said the feared transition to the electronic (e) vouchers was introduced by his administration saying farmers as well as Zambians could trust the PF Government.
“We are able to confront the economic challenges and transform them into opportunities. This is why we are to laugh off those self-righteous sentiments and criticisms from some who think we have no capacity to run agriculture in particular and the economy in general.
“We have the experience and we a demonstrable record that we are ready and able to do even better. Agriculture is on the mend, and economic in general in on a recovery path. We are determined to do even better,” Mr Lungu said.
He said agriculture was Zambia’s main economic contributor and it created employment for old and young generations while it contributed significantly to the social-economic development of Zambia in particular and the whole African continent in general.
“My Government is determined to provide farmers with innovations and technologies that will accelerate the process of poverty eradication among our poor rural communities who constitute the majority farmers.
“I wish to therefore assure you that my Government has placed priority on cooperating partners working closely with farmer’s organisations to foster food productivity in a sustainable manner and to guarantee incomes and food security for the good of all of us,” Mr Lungu said.
The Head of State said farmers were not merely food producers but they were partners in the global fight against climate change and for sustainability of planet earth.
He said no amount of criticism would deter his administration in fostering development saying his Government would not give up regardless of the current economic challenges.
Mr Lungu also said the Government had made the COP21, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Agenda 2030 and the Committee on World Food Security (WFS) processes a priority.
Speaking at the same meeting, WFO president Evelyn Nguleka said agriculture was the primary sector of all economies and that the sector was responsible for granting food and nutrition security to all human beings.
Dr Nguleka, who is Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU), said agriculture was also responsible for social stability and health adding that the sector provides work opportunities to families, men, women and youth, and largely contributes to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
She said farmers needed to develop the right skills and knowledge needed to effectively improve their capacity.
“This would never be possible without the support of our partners and friends from the public and private sectors, from local and international arena, who believe in our daily work and in our central role for the socio-economic well-being of this planet.
“It is to the above extent that the 2016 General Assembly of the World Farmers’ Organisation, WFO, is being held under the overarching theme of “Partnership for Growth”, with a view to promoting the importance of a holistic approach to the agricultural sector, where different actors stand together for the same goal,” Dr Nguleka said.
Zambia’s Agriculture Minister Given Lubinda, who thanked WFO for hosting its General Assembly in Zambia, said close to 800,000 million people were hungry every day worldwide.
“One of the sustainable development goals in is to fade hunger in the next 15 years. Politicians like you and I can talk about that but the one with responsibility to work towards that goal are these present here.
“As you are aware, those 800,000 million people who go hungry many of them are not in southern region, the continent which has been privileged to host this conference,” Mr Lubinda said.
WFO Secretary General Marco Marzano said the conference had given an opportunity for delegates to examine the theme as farmers strongly believed in partnership.
The word “shame” sounds vindictive
Who was he talking too?
All that Lungu is doing is damage control…he simply can’t say it a matter of principle. Michael Sata left behind an economical disaster for Zambia. He embarked on these so called infrastructural development projects without proper funding in place. The Zambian people should appreciate and thank Lungu for his able leadership that has managed to save the economy from total collapse. HH and his minions know it but because they are power hungry wont accept it. They will always twist facts in order to achieve their personal economic agendas. This can clearly be seen by caliber of people who are joining HH including the like of Guy Scott, Mile Sampa, GBM, Bod Sichinga and of course of late Mulenga Sata
Hehehehehe kwena Edgar really knows how to play on the gold fish memory of most Zambian …. he was the first to announce that Zambia was going to import maize from Mexico before other countries do so…now tell me who was the chief doubter ???? Shame you ECL
With all my constitutional and democratic rights driven by moral conscience, patriotism, unwavering sense of national unity and passion for a people’s Democratic Government other than personality cults of plutocracy, my vote is again on one Edgar Chagwa Lungu. Intelligent, humble, down to earth, patriotic, with unparalleled temperament tested in uniting the people from all parts of Zambia. Such is the leader I support with my money, time, knowledge and vote. I have sufficient skillsets to filter out utopia from measurable leadership free of hatred.
Praise the farmers not PF!
The case of King Hezekiah who showed his guests his wealth instead of God’s power and miraculous healing. Pride comes before the fall. Ooh no He is a Christian; a Christian who cant acknowledge God for a miracle! You cant imput righteousness as it is a preserve of God! Dont force the man to a christian when not.
@ senior citizen,
Are you suffering from senile dementia or Alzheimer’s disease?
You obviously have forgotten that your children and grandchildren will have to pay back TEN BILLION US DOLLARS and live in poverty all their lives!
They will curse the day Lungu was born!
bumper harvest! to PF means supplying maize to Malawi, Zaire, Zimbabwe and everyone else!! but starving Zambians
HH & Guy Scott were supposed to be in attendance or even give a speech as they are farmers. Nothing in common with Edgar.
Preach papa!!Go deeper papa!!
This is what we have been saying all along!!! We said Zambia would get a bumper harvest those who have been following my posts will attest to this and these dull UPND cadres laughed at us and insulted us.
Thanks to the Farmer Input Support Program and good agric policies of the PF govt even when our neighbours are experiencing food problems Zambia is experiencing a bumper harvest!!!
2016 ECL nafuti
Who is this lady Evely Nguleka? President of world food organization dressed like a barbie doll or an eight year old girl.
Well done Edgar Lungu!
Keep working and shame UPND, the bunch of liars with a very arrogant leader who are so desperate to get into State House. You are winning 2016 because you are a good President.
Zambia will never allow an angry arrogant man like HH.
He is a prentender, ask people who know him before you waste your vote on him.
If I were President Lungu I would not bring politics to such a forum
I totally agree with you 100%
True,
I am also thinking praise should mostly go to Famers themselves for responding positively to this call not a political party because farms are not managed by them. Already there has been a lot of complaints on the way the inputs were distributed but farmers have managed.
The same was said about 2014/2015 farming season; pumper harvest!!! But of what significance if a bag of mealie meal is unaffordable by the majority?
And then go sell it and blame the opposition. Ever heard of. Fluke?
Shame on (HH) and his followers who are enemies of progress. They would rather celebrate when a leader dies in office, thinking it’s now their time to rule. They think calamity and ill will can make people vote for them. We are scoring with our grassroots in our bumper harvests and infrastructure. We choose to celebrate this good performance all within one year. Shame to this Kaponya (HH)
Kudos, please i am ignorant on this, please can you educate me on this bumper harvest issue because the maize has not been harvested and collected so where do these figures come from?
Nook itole
Kaponya Lungu, fuseke. You should know which forum to utter that rubbish.
On a serous basis theirs something wrong with our president?most of our farmers are yet to harvest the 2015/2016 maize.its moisture content is high.since whn did zambia started harvesting maize mu march/april?zambia will only kno the 2015/2016 maize data in august.cheat thosr who ar not farmers.
These liers have no shame! If we have a bumper harvest mr Lungu then your administration is full of murderers and thieves. Otherwise how would justify the hunger in the country? It’s clear food poverty has increased and you are telling us about bumper harves, then where is the hunger coming from? Created by you Mr. Lungu?
So this Lazy Bum is already in Livingstone from the Copperbelt? The bum is he officiating at the 2016 World Farmers Organisation (WFO) 6th General Assembly and he is talking petty partisan political nonsense…is this man truly a lawyer…really laughable.
Dull drunkard, we will believe you when a bag of mealie meal is K35 !! Or maybe the Jamesoni has corrupted your memory. That was the price when PF came to power.
Or are you so ignorant that you do not even know that it is now selling for K120 a bag?
Do you really think this is an IMPROVEMENT?
The case of King Hezekiah who showed his guests his wealth instead of God’s power and miraculous healing. Pride comes before the fall. Ooh no He is a Christian; a Christian who cant acknowledge God for a miracle! You cant imput righteousness as it is a preserve of God! Dont force the man to a christian when not.
… and, so if everyone likes you, then you’re not real enough 😉
Repeat after us Opposition…………A record 2.7 million tonnes of maize. Bumper crop!! We’ll do e Zambian Farmers and Thank You!!
The quantification is only after FRA collects the maize.
Patriot, for someone who is supposedly abroad, you are a very dull ignoramous.
@Kubweko, I assure you that, here Abroad, there are many ignoramuses. Majority are White!!
Being abroad does not mean not being dull and ignoramus, any more than Africans at home. I would rather be what you call me than be what you are……an African with an Inferiority a Complex. Cheers Big Ears! Most people think I’m rather Posh….actually!
@Mama. There is a bumper crop regardless of when the maize is quantified!
The 2016 award for the most incompetent and idi.otic president goes to EDGAR CHAKOLWA WRUNGUUUU!!!!! And he is the leading contender the most likely to win in the following categories: most clueless,useless,hopeless,brainless,dullness,visionless,ruthless and a drunkard.
Mr. President. Actions speak louder than words. Why is maize meal expensive? Enough talking already.
life has never been cheap
ba lungu nafuti nafuti 2016
Kolwe
Iwe Kambwili why are you insulting Sam? Is it because he/she is voting for Lungu? Kikikiki…nafuti nafuti ba Lungu. Keep those insults coming…
So if its bumper, its thanks to Govts tireless efforts. But if there is famine then its due to rainfall. If you take credit for the good, take responsibility for the bad.
We require 2,1m tons per annum. We produced (or “say” we produced) 2,7m tons. The law of supply and demand will kick in and the price of maize will crash. Lets wait to see how it plays out in the mealie meal price.
Be wary of politician statements in an election year. Next we will be told about oil discoveries.
Does it mean maize for the 2015/16 farming season has been all harvested, packaged, bought and stored by FRA already????? Rains are just finishing. I am confused. Where does the figure 2.7 million tonnes come from?????
#Napapa sana He was drunk and you know day dreaming is free for everyone especialy when you are clueless,visionless,useless,heartless,dullness,ruthless,brainless,hopeless and a drunkard.
@Lutuku Presdo, I am really confused about the presdo’s statistics for 2015/16. Where did he get them??? Is he a sangoma counting maize still in fields????
Ministry of agric and cso conduct crop focast surveys to get an estimate of what the harvest will be. That is where all these statistics come from. You dull people
@Lutuku, I am voting for him. Chimibabani baba and you can insult him all you want.
Lungu and those PF are liars.. Then lower the prices of Goods. Ministers are just making money. Zambians are suffering.
Whenever this man speaks he is always on the defensive. He is not an inspiring figure. He is always defending his decisions instead of confidently telling the nation where we are headed as a country. Who advises this man! That was a wrong fora for partizan statements!
The 2016 award of the most incompetent and idio.tic president goes to EDGAR CHAKOLWA KALOBA WRUNGUUUU!!!!!! He is also the leading contender to win in the following categorie the most clueless,visionless,useless,hopeless,dullness,ruthless,heartless,brainless and a drunkard.
Has FRA already bought our maize for 2015/2016 season?
Because mine is still in the bush and the floor price has not yet been announced, but reserved for campaign gimmick.
Reduce the price kanshi weh ala
Bwana Lungu but your PF has also left Zambia with bumper harvest of debt,ratings downgrades and a very poor harvest of economic growth at a tepid 3%.
Kwena you can laugh. Why cant we just rejoice that we wont starve .whatever good news we want to find a negative. Just yesterday Bloomberg projected a good harvest for zambia compared to our neighbours and the president is just re affirming that. But alas the merchants of death cant believe. They wanted the pipo to suffer
Mzambia wa zamani any economy goes thru a bad patch. We might be downgraded or in debt but we just have to work hard and get out of the bad situation. Even the US. Germany etc went thru this
Ba lutuku presdo. Dont insult zambians who voted for the leader. If you were that smart why dont u start and see how many votes you will get
#Abazana chindo You want all the people to be politician who be doing these other jobs and if i were to become a politician i can make a better president than your current clueless,visionless,brainless,useless,heartless,dullness,ruthless,hopeless and drunkard WRUNGU
Nubian princess when the 2012 2013 marketing didnt go well you blamed the govt even to the extent of calling PF as paya farmer. But when farming is going well you say praise the farmer . Why not praise PF. And just call them prospering Farmer
UPND niiii maaaaa nuuree. faece party, smelling
The season has hardly concluded. When was this tabulation of a bumper harvest done? Only a couple of weeks ago the government was still trying to ascertain the maize quantities from the other season! Another unfounded campaign gimmick.
By the way Jay Jay, that outfit worn by Dr Nguleka is a part of the traditional Lozi cultural designs. I think its a ‘breath of fresh air’ from some of the usual stuffy outfits.
Wrong message at such a world class forum. The man delivers no higher than a low-level party activist.
Genuine advice, such fora being a world food conference is not for political pronouncements and fights. Our good president should stick to farming issues in such audiences and not opposition parties(my comment is the only reasonable one on this blog)
which bumper harvest when the maize has not been harvested yet. This guy is a joker
With what Zambia is poised to achieve in a diversified economy in the next 15 years or so, the 10 billion dollar debt claimed by Free Slave is a drop in the ocean. Zambia’s GDP will grow by leaps and bounds and Zambia will always have her head well-above the water. So do not lose heart, Zambia has a bright future!
The department of Agriculture carry out crop forecast in January then end of March, so what the President is saying is true Zambia is the only country with pumper harvest.
Patriot abroad, i will still say you are an ignoramous. If you believe that all white people are learnerd then truly you are backward. I do not have a chip on my shoulder and travel extensively but I thought being abroad would enlighten you more as to what real democracy is all about. You if it is true that you are abroad and are in the diplomatic service should come and see our country instead of boot licking your bosses.
“Despite the difficult weather pattern, the success has not come by an accident but it is as a result of our clear decisions we made to restructure both the input distribution mechanisms and crop marketing exercise
That is why experience is important. you dont have to have the actual corn at FRA to give an estimate. if you have done this for a long time you can estimate by seeing the maize laying around even though not yet havested. So ECL is right to give the estimated figure going by the picture of the maize in the field.