By Mulenga Banda –
President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia has called on suppliers of fertilizers to establish the manufacturing plants in the country.
He was speakingTuesday at an interactive conference between Zambian National Farmers Union and fertilizer suppliers in Mulungushi.
“We were delighted to have been part of the interactive conference between Zambia National Farmers’ Union and various fertiliser suppliers at Mulungushi International Conference Centre today.
“We applauded the organisers of the forum for responding to the conversation from the recently held Mpongwe Zambia National Union Farmers’ Day, where it was recommended that the two parties along with government convene an urgent meeting under the newly established Private Public Dialogue process, to learn each other’s challenges around the fertiliser procurement and distribution undertaking. We must always work together to find local solutions for our local problems.
“We challenged the fertiliser suppliers and some of the experienced players in the sector to consider setting up fertiliser manufacturing plants in Zambia so we can reduce reliance on the importation of the commodity, especially in light of the Russia – Ukrainian conflict. This will not only localise their business through manufacturing of fertiliser but also enhance value addition and provide jobs for our people. We reminded them of the New Dawn Government’s push for supplying quality goods and services at affordable cost and on time.
“We told the conference to find ways and means to eliminate bureaucracy that had created opportunities for corruption and urged the suppliers to depart from the abuse of the past that had promoted dishonesty and enhanced the appetite for misconduct in the whole fertiliser value chain”, he concludes.