By SIMON MUNTEMBA in Vubwi
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has implored the people of Vubwi to live in peace and avoid unnecessary boundary conflicts with their Malawian counterparts because they were one people.
The President said Zambia should continue to brand itself as a peaceful nation by embracing peace and unity as it was a perquisite for the country’s sustainable development.
Mr Lungu said this when he addressed the people that came to welcome him in Sindemisale area of Vubwi yesterday.
He said he was saddened by reports that a land dispute had ensued between some Zambians and Malawian farmers along the border.
He said Zambians and Malawians were one people who should live in harmony for the sake of development. The President said any country could only attract investors and register development if it remained peaceful.
“Investment cannot come without peace. Make sure there is no tension with Malawi because we are one,” he said.
He also urged the people to register as voters in numbers to ensure they took part in the selection of political leaders in 2021.
Earlier, President Lungu toured the tobacco and macadamia farm plantations owned by a foreign firm, Losacco and Company Limited in Sindemisale area of Vubwi.
Losacco and Company Limited shareholder, Andrea Bizarro said the plantation has created several jobs for Zambians.
Mr Bizarro explained that his company invested US$8 million towards growing macadamia on 627 hectares.
He said macadamia nuts which take three years to mature were used in confectionary, baking, ice cream and snack food industries.
Mr Bizarro also said macadamia nuts were a lucrative produce.
Speaking after touring the farm, President Lungu said patience was virtue in all businesses including farming.
He urged local farmers to emulate the company in exercising patience when making investment in the agricultural sector.
President Lungu also urged small-sale farmers in the district to embrace the concept of practicing climate smart agriculture.
Meanwhile,, ZANIS reports that Italian ambassador to Zambia, Antonino Maggiore has assured that his government remains committed to supporting the Zambian government to improve the agriculture sector.
Mr Maggiore says his country is happy with the way the government is running the agriculture sector hence its support.
The envoy said this, when President Lungu toured Losacco Company.
An Italian investment which is growing more than 620 hectares of macadamia nuts in the district.
Ministers of Agriculture Michael Katambo, provincial minister Makebi Zulu and State House minister Freedom Sikazwe and senior party officials have accompanied the Head of State.
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