KARONGI – Local leaders in the seven districts of the Western Province have been criticised for the underperformance in the agricultural sector within the region.

At a stakeholder’s meeting held at the provincial headquarters in Karongi District, on Thursday, the Minister of Agriculture, Agnes Kalibata, reminded the leaders and agriculture sector officials that the region is meant to be part of the country’s food basket.

"You should endeavour to step up your efforts because your achievements are far below the set targets yet you have ample land,” Kalibata told the leaders.

She gave the leaders up to 10 days to have made preparations to ensure improved food production.

In their responses, most of the mayors acknowledged that even though so far only minimum levels of  success in agriculture have been registered, the local leadership will ensure that production is stepped up.

At the same meeting, State Minister for Local Government, Christine Nyatanyi, noted that food security contributes to the political stability of the country.

Nyatanyi also advised local leaders to conduct wide sensitisations to rally communities behind government’s current policies.

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