Lungs has failed farmers – HH
By Staff Reporter
United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema has charged that President Edgar Lungu has failed to control the agriculture sector in the country.
Speaking when he toured some maize fields in Chibombo district in Chief Mungule’s area on Monday, Hichilema said Lungu and his administration had destroyed the hope of all farmers due to poor policies and a lack of understanding of what farming was.
He also visited the Ministry of Agriculture fertilizer storage facility in Chief Mungule’s area where he found farmers receiving fertilizer.
Hichilema wondered why a serious leader would start distributing fertilizer in February as if he did not understand the calendar.
“I am shocked that after visiting this area, Edgar Lungu a few days ago would say we have no food crisis this season. I do not know why Lungu would say this field is okay, may be the problem is lack of understanding of what farming involves. But, even then he cannot come here and begin saying all is well when farmers are suffering.” Hichilema said.
“These farmers would not have planted if government told them that there would be a drought. Forecasting is important in every nation, for a serious government, as it prepares farmers on the approaching farming season and when it is the right time to plant.”
He charged that President Lungu’s lack of understanding of agriculture and the poor policies had killed farmers “.
“We came here just to have a site visit as you may be aware that farming is important for all of us. What we have seen is clear that the crop has failed for many reasons; the biggest problem is lack of leadership in the PF. They start distributing fertilizer in February, does that make sense?asked.
“And you come with a few bags of fertilizer simply because Edgar knew he was visiting the area, is there logic?”
And Mumbwa central Member of Parliament Credo Nanjuwa lamented that up to date the area had not received agro inputs even after farmers paid K400 each for inputs through the e-voucher system.
