Zambia Army to embark on maize production

Thu, 22 Dec 2016 11:02:05 +0000

By VIOLET TEMBO

MAIZE production will soon become part of Zambia Army’s duties, says Ministry of Defence permanent Secretary Stardy Mwale.

Speaking when he paid a courtesy at Cabinet Office in Ndola, Mr. Mwale said the army plans to develop its piece of land located in Lufwanyama district for farming purposes.

Mr Mwale hinted that President Edgar Lungu had pledged full support to the venture proposed by the army.

He said the defence units had embarked on production of agricultural products to supplement the country’s efforts to shift from copper dependency.

He said farming skills that would be imparted on the men in uniform would have a positive replication once they retired.

Mr Mwale commended Zambia National Service (ZNS) officers deployed in border areas for having managed to stop smuggling of maize especially into neighbouring DR Congo.

He urged the officers to continue to be vigilant, terming smugglers as a danger to national security.

Mr Mwale said he was happy with the cordial

working relationship between the provincial administration and the defence force to help curb the problem of smuggling in the province.

He appealed to the provincial administration and the defence force to co-exist to help deal with problems such as smuggling.