MDC CALLS FOR REFORMS OF ZNS’ AGRICULTURE POLICY
The Movement for Democratic Change MDC has called on President Hakainde Hichilema to introduce reforms in the Zambia National Service – ZNS’s agriculture policy in order for the defence wing to become a major foreign exchange earner.
MDC National Executive Committee member Julius Phiri has said that while ZNS is already involved in agriculture productivity, it has massive potential to produce even more when reforms are introduced.
Mr. Phiri suggests that ZNS agriculture activities need to be introduced in all farming blocks across the country in order to expand production for the local and export market.
Mr. Phiri said that as part of reforms, it should be extended to the school curriculum by making agricultural subjects compulsory, thereby encouraging school leavers wanting to work in ZNS farming blocks after school and also increase productivity.
“If we introduce ZNS in all the farm blocks and expand production, more workers will be required. This is a plus because there will be a need to employ a lot of people. Let us produce more graduates for ZNS, so i the English language is compulsory, can agriculture as a subject be made compulsory too” Mr. Phiri said.
He added that among other required reforms is to make ZNS centred on the production of cash crops for export only.
Mr. Phiri also said loan facilities should be given to ZNS in order for the security wing to acquire more heavy-duty machinery for farming purposes, thereby making activities more vibrant in farming blocks.
“In the reform, we should maintain the military part for the purpose of discipline and order. This is necessary so that civilian attitude does not contaminate operations of ZNS” he said.
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