Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa Monday directed the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to increase the fertilizer support program (FSP) subsidy this year from 50 to 60 percent.

Mwanawasa told a press conference at State House in Lusaka that there is need for the country to continue being productive so that Zambia can have more food for consumption and export.

He said his administration would not propose giving free fertilizer in the next three years because this would be an irresponsive way of running government.

He reiterated that his government would focus on rural infrastructure development.

Mwanawasa however said some relief ought to be given to the Zambian people following the country's attainment of Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative completion point.

The president said Zambians should see the fruits of their sacrifice during the period towards the HIPC completion point.

He said the government will continue with the implementation of the fiscal policy as in the past but a relax manner.

Mwanawasa announced his new cabinet at the press conference after he won his second and last term in September 28 elections.

Meanwhile Bank of Zambia (BOZ) Governor Caleb Fundanga said it is important for the country now after the elections to focus on national development.

In an interview with journalists at State House, Fundanga said the economy will be expected to grow further because of the continuity of the same government and its policies.

He said so far the economic indicators are showing that the country is on the right track to meeting the economic growth targets which were set out in this year's national budget.

The governor said agriculture has performed well and that others sectors such as the mining ad tourism are doing better.

Fundanga however said that there is need for the country to improve on the distribution of farming inputs.

Source: Xinhua