President Lungu rejects K65 maize price

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu says the announced floor price of maize by FRA of K65 per 50kg is not fair and has assured farmers that he will engage the agency to adjust it upwards.

President Lungu said he had asked the Minister of Agriculture Michael Katambo to meet with all stakeholders to agree on the price of maize but he does not think the price they came up with was fair.

"I had asked the Minister of Agriculture to meet his colleagues, the Zambia National Farmers Union, Small Scale Farmers and everyone concerned with the pricing and marketing of maize, but I don't think the K65 price that FRA settled for is fair.

"I will ask them to review it upwards when I return to Lusaka," President Lungu said.

The President said this in Chipangali district yesterday when he addressed a mammoth public rally to woo votes for PF council chairperson candidate, Million Tembo.

And President Lungu said he will allow the opposition to talk while his administration concentrate on working.

He said his government was in a hurry to develop the country, adding that he should be given time to work and be judged in 2021.

Earlier the President attended a church service at Christian Missionaries in Many Lands where he urged the church to pray for political leaders.

The President also met various traditional leaders who appealed to him to consult them when choosing political leaders to stand on PF ticket in the area.

In response, President Lungu said his party would only consult the Chiefs who were willing to work with the PF administration.