Maravi

(LUSAKATIMES) Crop subsidy to be extended to other crops other than maize-Guy Scott

Crop subsidy to be extended to other crops other than maize-Guy Scott
TIME PUBLISHED - Sunday, February 26, 2012, 5:56 pm

Vice President Guy Scott says government will consider subsidizing the production other crops other than maize. Dr Scott says this is in an effort to promote crop diversification in the country.

He explained that government has been subsidizing maize production at the expense of other cash crops. The Vice President was speaking on Saturday night when he met the business community in Chipata.

Dr Scott has also called on the business community to supplement government’s efforts of creating jobs for the people.

And Local Government Minister Nkandu Luo says local authorities are not yet ready to implement the decentralization policy.

Professor LUO says councils need capacity building if they are to effectively implement the decentralization policy.

Meanwhile, Traditional leaders in the Eastern Province have pledged to work with the Patriotic Front government in developing the country.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni speaking people says chiefs have an obligation to work with the government of the day.

The traditional leader said this at a breakfast meeting through his representative Chief Nzamane in Chipata on Sunday morning.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni hosted a breakfast in honour of Vice President Guy Scott and his delegation.

And Dr. Scott says government is serious about restoring the authority of traditional leaders.

And Chieftainess Nkomeshya of the Soli people expressed concern about a circular, which was issued last December indicating that no government official will be invited to be guest of honour at traditional ceremonies.

She explained that traditional ceremonies are a fora, where both government and traditional leaders discuss issues.

But Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Inonge Wina says government is ready to dialogue over the matter.

[ZNBC]

Labels: CHIPATA, DECENTRALIZATION, GUY SCOTT, MAIZE, NKANDU LUO

posted by MrK @ 9:59 PM