Namwala District – President Hakainde Hichilema, flanked by an equally beaming First Lady Mutinta Hichilema, on Wednesday launched the maize harvest at their sprawling Ibamba Farm in Namwala District. The presidential foray into the fields was more than just a symbolic gesture; it served as a potent reaffirmation of his government’s — and his personal — unwavering commitment to fortifying Zambia’s national food security.
Addressing the gathering amidst the golden stalks, President Hichilema underscored the urgent imperative of transforming Zambia into a self-reliant agricultural powerhouse, particularly in the face of an increasingly unpredictable climate. “We made a commitment to continue being part of the solution towards increased food security in the country,” he declared, his voice resonating with conviction.
The President highlighted a significant shift at Ibamba Farm, where land historically dedicated to cattle ranching has now been diversified for crop production. This strategic pivot, he explained, is a crucial step towards building climate resilience. “With unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change, it is important that we invest in alternative farming activities such as irrigation agriculture,” he added, pointing to a future where water scarcity will no longer cripple harvests.
Setting an ambitious national target, President Hichilema articulated a vision of Zambia holding food reserves sufficient for at least three years, even in the throes of drought-prone periods like the one recently endured. “Our target is to reach levels where, as a country, we can be food secure for at least three years,” he affirmed, painting a picture of a nation insulated from global food supply shocks.
The President also urged citizens to cultivate a mindset of household self-sufficiency, imploring them to prioritise their family’s food needs before considering commercial sales of surplus produce. “We keep urging citizens to prioritise food security at household levels before considering selling the surplus,” he stated, reinforcing the grassroots importance of his national agenda.
Beyond the flourishing maize fields, President Hichilema confirmed that wheat has already been planted for the current season, showcasing a multi-crop approach to agriculture that aims to spread risk and maximise output.
Bringing his remarks to a stirring close, the President issued a clarion call to all Zambians to actively participate in food production. “Eaten today? Thank the farmer! Let’s be food producers and not only consumers,” he exhorted, a powerful plea for a nation to embrace its agricultural potential.
The harvest at Ibamba Farm serves as a powerful testament to the government’s broader agricultural blueprint, a comprehensive strategy that encompasses the expansion of vital irrigation systems, increased and targeted support for small-scale farmers, and ultimately, ensuring Zambia’s robust resilience in the face of any global food supply disruptions. The message from the presidential farm is clear: Zambia is sowing the seeds of its own secure future.
