CASHEW FARMING GAME CHANGER, SAYS LUNGU
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu says cashew nut farming is a game changer that can transform people’s lives and support the country’s economic growth.
President Lungu said Government is committed to ensure farmers are transformed from concentrating on maize farming to tree crop farming.
Mr Lungu was speaking during the launch of cashew planting in Chasefu as part of his working visit to the Eastern Province.
“We have all seen that cashew nuts are a high value crop and as a government working with our cooperating partners we will be supporting the project,” President Lungu said.
Under the launched Cashew Plantation Project, one million plants are expected to be planted in the area under the Zambia Integrated Forestry Landscape Project driven by communities to protect the environment.
And President Lungu said it is time Zambians moved from maize to tree crops.
“With the effect of climate change we need to shift to tree crops so that we kill two birds with one stone.” he said.
Agriculture Permanent Secretary Songowayo Zimba said farmers are happy with the government’s agriculture policies.
He said the farmers are being inspired by the president through the support he has given the sector.
Meanwhile, President Lungu has called on traditional leaders to help engage opposition leaders on the need to promote peace and unity ahead of the August 12 general election.
The President said this when he paid a courtesy call on chiefs in Lundazi yesterday.
And speaking on behalf of other traditional leaders, Chief Kapichila thanked President Lungu for the massive development in the area.
Chief Kapichila said he was happy the government is working on the Lundazi bridge and other infrastructure in the district.
President Lung also met other chiefs in Chasefu and Lumezi.
In Chasefu, Mr Lungu met Senior Chief Magodi and Chief Phikamalaza
In Lumezi, he met Chieftainess Mwasemphangwe, Chieftainess Mwanya, Chief Kazembe and Chief Chitungulu.