President Hakainde Hichilema says the government will continue building the Lutwazi, Mumbi and other dams in Petauke district to enhance the farming activities.
President Hichilema noted that the government acknowledges that the district’s main activity is farming, hence the need for the construction of more dams to facilitate irrigation activities.
He was speaking at Petauke Day Secondary School ground, where he engaged with the traditional leadership and members of the community in the district.
“We need to continue constructing dams here because we need water here, because you are farmers here.
We will finish constructing Lutwazi and Mumbi dams which are under construction and other dams we will continue doing that,” the President said.
The Head of State further urged members of the community in Petauke to consider voting for the United Party for National Development (UPND) party, in order to ensure that developmental activities continue in the district.
At the same engagement, President Hichilema, also announced that he has directed the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to quickly announce the floor price for maize.
He however urged farmers not to be cheated by those who enticed them to sell their crop which had not met the set moisture content for purchase by the FRA.
 Mr Hichilema says such maize was highly susceptible to aflatoxins which can be dangerous for the consumption of both animals and humans.
Meanwhile the President also assured the residents of Petauke that the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) will be increased.
He says he does not want a situation where farmers share fertiliser in small portions locally called ‘Medas.’
The Head of State adds that the increase of FISP will also see more beneficiaries on the program so as to empower more households.
“I do not want you to share fertiliser and seed in medas, we shall increase the FISP and the number of people on FISP,” The Head of State noted.
