Mayungo calls for Crop Price review amid Farmer losses

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UPND Sikongo Member of Parliament, Simushi Mayungo, has called on the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to review and increase the current crop purchase price in light of the challenges and resilience demonstrated by farmers across the region.

Mr. Mayungo said despite devastating droughts and significant losses in the previous farming season, farmers did not lose hope.

“Our farmers remained committed to planting even with the risk of another drought looming,” he said. “Government must take into account the losses suffered last season and the unwavering resilience of our people when setting this year’s crop prices.”

Mr. Mayungo has proposed an increase in the price of rice and other key crops above the previous K380 per 50kg bag, suggesting a K20 increment as a necessary incentive.

“We must reward the perseverance of our farmers if we want to secure food production and national food security,” he added.

He has also noted that while rains have been more favorable this season, late rainfall and locust invasions have affected yields.

The Law Maker has commended the government's support in tackling the locust outbreak through chemical interventions and aerial spraying but expressed concern that not all areas were fully covered due to insufficient supplies.

“We did our best with Constituency Development Fund resources, but more government intervention is still needed.”

In addition, Mr. Mayungo has strongly condemned the recent decision by the United States government to withdraw medical aid from Zambia, calling it a dangerous move that endangers the lives of the country’s most vulnerable citizens.

“This decision is not just political, it’s personal it threatens lives, undermines our health system, and weakens our nation,” said Mr. Mayungo. “True patriots do not rejoice over national hardship. We must unite, protect our sovereignty, and fight for solutions that strengthen Zambia.”

He has criticized political actors who welcomed the aid withdrawal, accusing them of placing political ambition above the wellbeing of Zambians.

“To support such a move is to betray the people. Leadership means standing up for the nation, not siding with foreign interests for political gain.”

And Mr. Mayungo has urged national unity and a renewed commitment to protecting Zambian interests, both in agriculture and healthcare.

Ends……………

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