Samuel Mbewe
Lusaka, Zambia – Burundian President, General Evariste Ndayishimiye, officially opened this year’s 96th Agriculture and Commercial Show in Lusaka today, urging both Zambia and Burundi to leverage their vast land resources to increase food production and enhance food security for their people.
In his speech at the opening ceremony, President Ndayishimiye emphasized the need for the two nations to tap into the wealth of agricultural expertise and innovation showcased at the event to drive progress in their agricultural sectors.
“Africa is blessed with abundant land, which I describe as a ‘garden of Eden.’ This precious resource must be fully exploited through agriculture to promote food security across the continent,” President Ndayishimiye stated. “Zambia and Burundi, with our fertile lands, have the potential to lead in producing enough food not only for our people but for the entire region.”
The Burundian leader highlighted that his country has prioritized agriculture by implementing policies that encourage every citizen to contribute to cultivating the land. These policies, he noted, aim to ensure that agriculture becomes a central part of the nation’s economic growth.
“We have placed a high premium on agriculture, with policies in place that encourage the active participation of every Burundian in agricultural activities,” he explained.
President Ndayishimiye also acknowledged Zambia’s role as a regional leader in agriculture, particularly its production of high-quality maize seed, which is imported by Burundi for use in its agricultural sector.
“Zambia’s maize seed is well-regarded, and we import it for our own agricultural activities,” the president said. “This is a testament to the strength of Zambia’s agricultural production and the shared benefits of collaboration between our nations.”
The Burundian President expressed optimism that the theme of this year’s show, “Creating a Competitive Future,” would bring about transformative changes in agriculture, particularly through the adoption of new technologies and smart farming practices. He stressed that such advancements would help improve productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sectors of both Zambia and Burundi.
“Let me thank President Hichilema for inviting me to this prestigious event,” President Ndayishimiye concluded. “The show provides a valuable platform for the exchange of ideas among various stakeholders, which will no doubt help drive economic growth in both our countries through agriculture.”
The Agriculture and Commercial Show, which runs from July 31 to August 5, brings together thousands of exhibitors and visitors from across Zambia and beyond, offering a unique opportunity to explore the latest innovations in agriculture, technology, and business.
And President Hakainde Hichilema has urged both the public and the private sector to operate in a competitive manner in the agriculture sector in line with the 96th Agriculture and Commercial Show theme, which is creating competitiveness for the future.
He reaffirmed the importance for Zambia and Burundi to work hard to cultivate the land and produce more food for the people especially during the adverse effects of climate change which has threatened food security.
President Hichilema bemoaned the adverse effects of the drought crisis on the agriculture sector but was quick to announce the many strides his Government is rolling out to mitigate the hunger situation which is affecting people in the 84 districts of the country.
“Let me state that government is on top of things to ensure every citizen has food to eat, to this effect my government has realigned the country’s envelope to respond to the drought, Smart agriculture and irrigation among others as some of the interventions being implemented so far,” he said.
The Head of State added that government will work in collaboration with Burundi in many areas of cooperation in a quest to foster bilateral relations.
“Let me state here that Zambia and Burundi will continue to engage each other in the ambitious agenda to produce enough food to feed the people in both countries.
And President Hichilema has commended his Burundian Counterpart Evariste Ndayishimiye for restoring peace and stability in his country.
He explained that peace and stability is paramount to spur economic activities and reiterated that instability anywhere is instability everywhere.
The President reiterated that peace is critical to promote productivity in various sectors of the economy and should be guarded jealously.
Meanwhile, Show Society President Bernard Moonga said 1,405 both foreign and local exhibitors have showcased various products translating in a seven percent increase for this year.
He explained that China has got a huge number of exhibitors who have displayed different products.
Earlier, Visiting Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye with his Zambian Counterpart President Hakainde Hichilema toured selected stands as part of this year’s 96th Agriculture and Commercial Show in Lusaka today,
Both Presidents toured ZAMBEEF company, family of farmers, a youthful organisation promoting smart agriculture practices, Bank of Zambia, BC and S farms Palabana livestock, Chipembi Girls stand and Lwimba Ranch among others.
The two Presidents also commissioned the renovated Andrew Haamba Hall within the show grounds.
