Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
UPND President Hakainde says Zambia needs a long-term plan for agriculture.
Mr Hichilema says the UPND has a vision for unlocking Zambia’s agriculture potential.
He says providing proper support to farmers will help them to grow and sell more, and at the same time bring prices down for consumers.
Mr Hichilema in a statement issued by the UPND information department says this can also stimulate the economy and drive growth and development through targeted investments in the agricultural sector.
He says though the PF government criticized the MMD on this score, nothing has changed for the better under their leadership.
Mr Hichilema says under the PF government, payments to farmers have been delayed resulting in farmers being unable to buy inputs in time for the next season.
He has pledged to pay farmers on time, reduce the cost of inputs such as fertilizer, and invest in agriculture for improved productivity and diversification once elected president.
Mr Hichilema states that by investing more in agriculture the economy can be stimulated, jobs created and food prices brought down.
He has also called for the need to invest in more storage facilities and support the growth of milling facilities across the country.
The UPND leader has also called for concerted efforts to stimulate the growth of related industries,notably processing, and support those suppliers who want to take advantage of the geographical location to export produce to neighbours in the region.
He adds that feeder roads for transportation of crops should be regularly attended to so as to reduce the challenges facing farmers.