President Hakainde Hichilema has directed the Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ) to expedite the announcement of the tobacco floor price ahead of this year’s marketing season.
President Hichilema said delays in announcing the tobacco floor price have caused concern among tobacco farmers, who need timely information to plan the sale of their produce.
The Head of State has also directed the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to announce the maize floor price for the 2026 marketing season without delay.
President Hichilema was speaking during a community engagement meeting with residents and local leaders at Lundazi Town Grounds.
The President warned officials at the TBZ and FRA against further delays in announcing the floor prices, saying farmers deserve timely decisions on their produce.
He further assured farmers that beneficiaries under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) will continue receiving complete input packages, including fertilizer and seed, instead of partial allocations.
President Hichilema also announced that the government will rehabilitate the dilapidated Lundazi -Chipata road, as well as complete stalled infrastructure projects in the district, including the Lundazi airstrip, market, chiefs’ palaces and other public facilities.
He directed that all incomplete development projects in the district be complete, within their stipulated time frame.
Meanwhile, President Hichilema called on the people of Lundazi to support the United Party for National Development (UPND) in the August 13, 2026 General Election.
He said his administration has fulfilled key campaign promises, including the introduction of free education and the creation of employment opportunities in the public service.
The President said his administration remains committed to promoting peace, unity and national development, while addressing the country’s economic challenges.
President Hichilema thanked the people of Lundazi for turning out in large numbers and supporting his administration’s development agenda.
He said the gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on the country’s progress over the past five years while acknowledging that more work needs to be done.
The Head of State urged voters to support him and UPND candidates in the forthcoming elections, to ensure continuity of government programmes and national development.
