President Hakainde Hichilema, accompanied by First Lady Mutinta Hichilema, launched the maize harvest at the couple’s Ibamba Farm in Namwala District on Wednesday, reaffirming his government’s and personal commitment to improving national food security.
Speaking during the harvest, President Hichilema emphasized the importance of transforming Zambia into a self-reliant food-producing nation amid the growing threat of climate change. “We made a commitment to continue being part of the solution towards increased food security in the country,” he said.
The President noted that land previously used for cattle ranching at Ibamba Farm has been diversified for crop production, a shift he said is vital for climate resilience. “With unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change, it is important that we invest in alternative farming activities such as irrigation agriculture,” he added.
President Hichilema set a national target of ensuring food reserves sufficient for at least three years, even in drought-prone periods like the one experienced last season. “Our target is to reach levels where, as a country, we can be food secure for at least three years,” he stated.
He urged citizens to prioritize household food needs before considering commercial sales. “We keep urging citizens to prioritise food security at household levels before considering selling the surplus,” the President said.
In addition to the maize harvest, the President confirmed that wheat has already been planted for the current season, demonstrating a multi-crop approach to agriculture.
Concluding his remarks, President Hichilema encouraged all Zambians to participate in food production. “Eaten today? Thank the farmer! Let’s be food producers and not only consumers,” he declared.
The event underscores the government’s broader agricultural agenda, which includes expanding irrigation systems, increasing support for small-scale farmers, and ensuring that Zambia can withstand global food supply shocks.
This a president who leads by example.
He also a first class farmer who is doing his part in feeding the nation.
Please do not sale our strategic food reserve again!!
One leads by example encouraging hard work and self-reliance.
The other one encourages eating mwibala including imbuto
Who would you go for? Objectively.
None. The life of the common man is still in dire straits. Worsened from 2021 and even before the drought
Its a no brainer for me this guy is a whole different level @HH7
let me say he is not the only farm owner championing food security there are milloions of others
let not idolise his achievement whilst ignoring others
How many heactres and how many bags ??
Just look North at a country as poor as Zambia. Its called Burkina Faso. In 2022 a new President took over disorganised rule and everything he is doing for his nation is VISIBLE. Ibrahim Traore is the model those aspiring to lead us should emulate. Any politician in Africa who wants to be seen as succesful, should try and beat his performance. Just in three years when Zambians are still struggling with some ka little dual carriage way between Lusaka and Ndola. Traore has begun 24 gigantic development projects:
Apart from his numerous road construction projects, he has started an Electric vehicle manufacturing plant for a local vehicle known as ItAQUA. He looked around and realised that like Zambia, his country is full of sunshine so he has begun the B Faso Solar Power project. His country produces gold so he is now refining it having constructed a new refining plant. He also has embarked on Tomato processing plants aiming to motivate local farmers so they can export the product all over Africa and to make Burkina Faso food dependent.
He has also embarked on a Project to Establish Tomato processing plants, aiming to motivate local farmers to export the product throughout Africa and to make Burkina Faso food self-sufficient. The Burkina Faso Nuclear Power project backed by Russia is on course to end the country’s era of darkness. He refused to accept the exorbitant Presidential salary, telling the government he was happy with his army captain’s emoluments. So while you sing praises for Kawayawayaling Presidents scared of their own State House, B Faso refurbished theirs. So that presidents can be proud of their State House.
That guy is overrated and history will prove me right. He’s too young to lead a nation ,he still lacks a very vital component called WISDOM.
Well tell me what the elders have brought to the table archaic ideas and division