AGRICULTURE minister Wylbur Simuusa says Zambia has the potential to become Africa's food basket within the next five years.
Commenting on a statement by justice minister, Wynter Kabimba, who during a courtesy call on Mwense district commissioner, Mumba Mushitu, on Friday said the country's independence is incomplete if it cannot feed itself, Simuusa called for a change of mindset amongst all stakeholders if Zambians were to fully realise the enormous potential of the agriculture sector.
"…within the next five years, if we do our homework well and are focused as government, farmers and Zambians, we can be the food basket of this region and a good part of the world. What it will take is the realisation and change of mindset on the part of Zambians to grasp farming. It is not just a hobby, it is a business that will take this country forward," Simuusa said.

But when asked what was hindering Zambia from attaining food sovereignty, he said there was greater need for Zambians to appreciate the potential of the agriculture sector in contributing to national development.
"We have not yet appreciated the potential we have as a country as far as agriculture and forestry are concerned; we are used to mining and we are born with a 'copper spoon' in our mouths. We are dependent on handouts, so we really don't see agriculture for what it is all through the years, and the fact that it can actually push this nation up economically to very high levels," Simuusa said.
He further said the attention the country was receiving from the international community in the agricultural sector served as evidence of its commercial viability and potential to contribute to the economy beyond its current input.
"All the major world blocs - China, US and India - have recognised that Africa and in particular, Zambia, is actually one of the most potential places to grow food.... It becomes very clear and apparent that the way to go is to grow more food. As Zambia, we have this 'agricultural spoon' in our mouths which we now have to exploit," said Simuusa.
Kabimba, who is also PF secretary general, on Friday said there was need for the country to attain food sovereignty.
"We need food sovereignty just like we are politically independent. Independence is not complete if we cannot feed ourselves," said Kabimba.