Zambia: Zambia government and the Ministry of Agriculture launched a beneficiary scheme for the farmers. It is anticipated that over 3,000 out of 5,700 farmers scheduled to benefit from the Farmer Input Support Programme in the Chitamboa district have collected their inputs.
As per the District Agricultural Coordinator, Jacob Shawa said, 3,060 farmers out of 5702 farmers have so far collected farming inputs since the activity was launched, representing a collection percentage of 56 percent.
Speaking in an interview, Shawa expressed happiness at the rate at which farmers are collecting inputs and expressed confidence that the District met its deadline of November 30 for the completion of the exercise.
Shawa has since appealed to farmers to start planting early so that they will be able to maximize the yield potential of the crops which they will be planting.
He further advised farmers to make sure that they use the inputs for the intended purpose so that the country can record huge numbers of crops in terms of maize and soya beans.
“I want to urge the farmers to refrain from selling but instead go and cultivate the crops,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chitambo District Commissioner Evans Chola has urged Agro Dealers in the District to treat farmers with respect and dignity as they go to collect the inputs.
He noted the Government is depending on the Agro Dealers to ensure that his farmers receive their inputs, which have been distributed in good time.
Further, he spoke, and he made a spot check at some agro dealers; Chola called for order in the exercise.
He said the farmers should be cleared in good time. “Agro dealers should do the right thing; anything like corruption or any other misconduct will not be tolerated in our District.,” he said.
Farmers are happy with the government’s move and appreciate government that at least they are considering them.