Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba speaking people has called on Zambians to take agriculture as a business by setting up commercial farms to create more jobs and ultimately contribute to the country’s economic development.
Paramount Chief Chitimukulu said agriculture is an economically viable sector that could change the lives of many people especially the youths.
The traditional leader called on young people to rise above their socio-economic challenges by venturing into large-scale production of maize and other agricultural products.
Chief Chitimukulu was speaking when Patriotic Front (PF) Mbala parliamentary candidate Charles Sipanje paid a courtesy call on him at his residence in Kasama.
“Agriculture is the most stable sector for Zambia. What we need now is agriculture which should be done on a commercial basis. Only 26 percent of the population is involved in agriculture. We need to train youths in agriculture,” Chief Chitimukulu said.
The traditional leader further commended Mr. Sipanje for being a role model to many people in Mbala District through his involvement in large-scale maize production.
Chief Chitimukulu said the traditional leadership will always support the growth of the agriculture sector to supplement government’s effort to transform Zambia into a major exporter of agricultural products.
The traditional leaders also endorsed the candidature of Mr. Sipanje and expressed confidence that Mbala district will be transformed if he is elected into office.
And Mr. Sipanje said his focus will be to develop the agriculture and tourism sectors after the August 12 general elections.
He expressed confidence in transforming the agriculture sector as he has already invested in the sector which has in turn provided job creation.
“l am expecting about 15,000 by 50 kg bags of maize this year. I have so far acquired 10,000 hectares of land for agriculture. It elected Mbala MP, my focus will be on agriculture and tourism,” He said.
The PF Mbala parliamentary candidate has since empowered all the nine wards with campaign vehicles to maximize votes for President Lungu.
Meanwhile, UPND candidate Njavwa Simutowe has promised to work on feeder roads and other roads in the district.
Mr. Simutowe has also promised to empower youths with various empowerment initiatives and survival skills.
But George Siame an independent, declined to unveil his plan for Mbala but promised to issue a comprehensive statement in the due course.
Efforts to get Socialist party candidate Naomi Nanyangwe failed by broadcast time.
Intelligent chief
This was the guy protesting against the Luo appointment, but making a huge U-turn when offered some “empowerment”. People are not stup!d, they don’t forget things like that easily. So I suggest to remain very quiet for the time being, while you consider your next move come August 12!
Agriculture is a high risk low margin business and made even more so by high interest rates. The chief has no idea wht he’s talking about. If he’s curious, let him hv a chat with teal real farmers who live on this industry and not part-time farmers.
Very wise man, and timely advice. As a relatively new farmer myself, I can only recommend that young people enter farming. It is tough but very rewarding. Last year all my kids school fees were paid for by my farming.
Politicians who drive to their farms in government vehicles, live on their government salaries and subsidies think that farming is easy. Wait till they are out of government, hv to pay from their pocket to run their vehicles and farm workers, then reality dawns on them. Those of us who live in the real world know this simple truth. We know these me-too farmers who only became so after joining government but they don’t know that we know them.
Kaizar farming is not as easy as this useless chief makes it to be. Farming is even a worse off idea now with a bad economy stop misleading people, business and contracts are much better you make your money without too much hard work and luck
Sipanje will not win Mbala as there was a bad report about him earlier on immorality which God detests