PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda has warned of stern action against Government officers who will be found deliberately withholding farming inputs from beneficiary farmers.

The president said he was disappointed to learn that some farmers especially in Southern Province, had not yet accessed farming inputs despite the Government having released them in early August.

He said this when he officially flagged off the 2009/2010 agricultural planting season in Mujika-Kayuni area in Monze yesterday.

Mr Banda said the Government recognised the role small-scale farmers played in contributing to national food security hence, its move to deliver agricultural inputs to district centres on time.

The president was disappointed with delays in the release of farming inputs to beneficiaries by relevant authorities.

"I am disappointed with the continued delay in the distribution of fertilisers to the farmers. It has come to my attention that some farmers have not yet received the inputs because distribution modalities have not yet been worked out.

"I direct that those withholding the inputs should distribute them immediately. I am an employee of the Zambian people if I don't work, they will sack me but before they sack me I will sack you," Mr Banda said.

Mr Banda said fertiliser would be of no use if it remained in the district warehouses, adding that it was important for inputs to reach the farmers in good time if productivity was to be achieved.

"I now direct that the minister of Agriculture ensures that fertiliser is immediately distributed to the eligible farmers and these farmers should also be supported with agricultural extension services," the president said.

Mr Banda said Zambia had also increased the production of cassava, wheat, rice, soya beans and groundnuts.

"Farmers should not grow one variety of seed because that is too risky. With hardwork, determination and a bold policy position taken by the Government, we can successfully grow enough food to feed ourselves and to export," he said.

Mr Banda was happy that the Zambian economy was growing at 6 per cent per annum, which was one of the highest growths in the region.

He also urged farmers to be wary of climate change and called on concerned stakeholders to assist the Zambian people appreciate the need to conserve forests, rivers, soils and crops.

"The reality of climate change demands a total shift in the way we treat our natural resources. We have been creating conditions for desertification. Conservation farming will make the difference," Mr Banda said.

He called on the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) and the Ministry of Agriculture to partner and come up with an effective marketing system to improve incomes of farming populations.

Mr Banda commended the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) for buying almost all farmers' maize this year despite the recent world economic melt down.

On livestock, Mr Banda said the Government was working out modalities to increase numbers of livestock as well as control diseases to satisfy both the local and international markets.

He urged all Zambians to work together and ensure that the country becomes self-sufficient in food crops and have surplus food for sale.

Southern Province Minister, Daniel Munkombwe advised concerned district committees to immediately distribute the inputs to the farmers or be dismissed from their positions.

"Because of the wrangling and bureaucracies, some districts have not yet delivered the inputs to the farmers. I am warning such committees that if they continue with that behaviour, they will be replaced," Mr Munkombwe said.

He urged committees to avoid giving farmers inputs according to their political affiliation.

Agriculture Minister Brian Chituwo called for conservation farming as the key to sustainable agriculture.

ZNFU president Jervis Zimba commended Government for improving the agriculture sector and urged it to continue supporting the farmers.

The flagging off of the planting season was witnessed by Ministers, top Government officials, ZNFU, commercial and small-scale farmers as well as, cooperating partners.