. LUNGU

By JAMES KUNDA –
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has implored the Zambia National Service (ZNS) to diversify crop production away from maize to enhance national food security.
Meanwhile, Mr Lungu has disclosed that more than 10,000 kilometres of primary feeder roads countrywide will be constructed and rehabilitated by ZNS over the next four years.
He said in Lusaka on Thursday that he was delighted that ZNS had put in place an expansion programme which would result in increased maize production, from the current 1,300 hectares per annum to more than 5,000 hectares annually in the next five years.
He was speaking in Chamba Valley when he officiated at the 2015 ZNS annual ball.
Mr Lungu, who was in the company of First Lady Esther and Defence Minister Richwell Siamunene, said the increase in farming hectarage by ZNS would contribute to the national food basket, thus stirring enhanced food security.
“In this vein commandant, I urge you to diversify from maize to other crops because Zambians can do with other crops such as cassava, sorghum and millet which we used to eat before the advent of our colonisers.
“The market is certainly there because all of us eat those cereals,” Mr Lungu said.
He said the Government had bought the initial six milling plants for ZNS to add value to the maize produced, a move which would stabilise mealie-meal prices.
The milling plants would be located in Kaoma, Mpika, Solwezi, Chipata, Kasama and Monze.
“We have also procured for ZNS irrigation systems in form of centre pivots which will be used to promote production of high value and perennial crops such as wheat and soya beans,” he said.
The Head of State indicated that the Government had identified ZNS to undertake the construction and rehabilitation of more than 10,000 kilometres of primary feeder roads across the country in a four-year period beginning 2015.
He said the transfer of the Rural Roads Unit (RRU) from the ministry of Works and Supply to ZNS was aimed at ensuring that equipment and manpower were effectively utilised to benefit the people.
He was pleased that the earth-moving equipment recently commissioned for the works had been positioned for the identified feeder road projects in the 10 provinces.
“I do not expect you to fail to deliver on this important national assignment which has been designated to you.
“In this respect, I wish to urge you to take your appointment seriously and prove your ability to deliver to the Zambian people,” Mr Lungu said.
He said the Government was transforming some ZNS units into non-military training centres to ensure that the youth were equipped with life skills to reduce their dependence on white-collar jobs.
ZNS commandant Nathan Mulenga said the Service had in the 2014/2015 crop farming season produced 76,756 by 50 kilogramme bags of maize, which could have been more if there was good rainfall and reliable equipment.
Lieutenant General Mulenga said the unit had strategically positioned itself to deliver services according to the expectations of the Government.