Nakonde District Commissioner, Field Simwinga has appealed to farmers not to sell their farming inputs which they acquired under the Farmers Input Support Programme (FISP).
Mr Simwinga said he is aware that some farmers are selling their inputs to neigbouring countries thereby frustrating government’s efforts of boosting the agriculture sector.
“I am aware that some of you have opted to sell your inputs to Tanzanians instead of using them to boost your farming businesses,” he said.
He has also appealed to farmers to seek advice from agricultural offices such as camp officers and District Agriculture Coordinator’s office if they encounter problems with their crops or animals.
And Nakonde District Acting Agriculture Coordinator, Matthews Mulengo said so far 945 farmers from about 75 cooperatives have received their farming inputs.
Mr Mulengo has also appealed to farmers to practice crop rotation in order to improve the soil nutrients.
“You should plant a different crop in the field where you planted maize last farming season so that you can improve the nutrients of the soil,” he said.
He pointed out that government has sent farming inputs on time urging farmers to work hard and ensure that they produce a good harvest.
Mr Mulengo has also advised farmers with late maturity seed to start preparing their fields.
Nakonde District has about 11, 000 farmers benefiting from the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).
Meanwhile, Government has officially flagged off the distribution of farming inputs to individual farmers in Luwingu District under the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP).
Luwingu District Commissioner Patrick Chanda who flagged off the exercise said over 6,000 small scale farmers will benefit from the inputs distribution exercise in the district.
Mr Chanda explained that government understands the importance of delivering the inputs on time as it enables farmers to adequately plan for the farming season.
He has further commended the farmers for depositing their K400 contribution towards the exercise.
“We are happy to note that farmers have deposited their money to the Ministry of Agriculture to enable them to access the input,” he said.
The District Commissioner has advised farmers not to wait for the rains but start preparing their fields in readiness for the 2020/2021 farming season.
Meanwhile, Mr Chanda has cautioned farmers who will benefit from the programme against selling their inputs stating that those found wanting will be dealt with accordingly.
“Government is implementing this programme in order to address the challenges that you the farmers face in purchasing inputs, therefore I am warning you not to sell the inputs you are receiving” he stated
He said this when he flagged of the input distribution exercise for the 2020/2021 farming season in Luwingu yesterday.
And Luwingu District Agriculture Coordinator Aswell Lubungo said the district has received all its consignment of inputs for the forthcoming season.
“I can confirm that we are on schedule with the exercise and we advise farmers who have not yet deposited their contribution to do so in order for you to access your inputs,” he said
Mr Lubungo is confident that the early distribution of inputs will see the district record a bumper harvest which will contribute to the country’s food security.
He has further advised small scale farmers to take agriculture as a serious business as it is a major contributor to the economic growth.
And speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Lucy Chimulopwe has commended government and Neria investment for distributing the inputs on time.
“We are happy that this year you have started the exercise in good time, please continue working like this even for the years to come,” she said
Ms Chimulopwe has since expressed gratitude to government for coming up with FISP program stating that it has helped small scale farmers across the country.
She stated that the programme has helped to reduce poverty levels among small scale farmers especially in rural areas.
Kkkkkkk, Southern province can’t sell to Zimbabweans.
What is there to sell? This fake program requires people to pay money upfront for 4 bags of fertiliser, which usually never comes & then they are offered seeds towards the end of the rainy season. So ba pf don’t mislead people here. You have failed and 2021 will reflect that
Unfortunately selling is everywhere. I dont really understand why. Some people are not born farmers but are benefiting from FISP. Believe me, some people that sell inputs actually stay in villages. One farmer was telling me that he realizes quick more profit from selling inputs than actual farming. She told me she gets k2000 hard cash from selling inputs against K1600 for 15 bags( her usual yield) after working hard all year round. This money comes 3 months after fra has bought. I think the ministry of agriculture should do a study on it. A quarter of inputs are sold.
The major contributor is the climate change and the actual subsequent weather patterns of late. No one seems to be concerned about the yield per FISP package. Thought not proven scientifically, average yield in Zambia is 16 bags which is equivalent to selling inputs. Farmers, esp maize farmers, breakeven is 17.5 bags which they fail to attain. This is basically without adding labour and spraying costs in some cases.
FISP and FRA have made the MoA a bottomless pit into which Govt pumps resources every year with nothing to show for it. The 2 are vehicles for theft. Since 2008 Govt has consistently spent in excess of budgeted figures on the maize sector alone but still maize farmers run at a loss. This is an indication that they’re trying to use a wrong instrument to address a wrong challenge. If it isn’t shoddy input distribution then it’s poor marketing. Apart from Katambo who’s a diploma holder we’ve very qualified people both at FRA and MoA but have nothing to show for their qualifications. Songowayo Zgambo did very well at ZNFU but unfortunately he has also been bewitched since he joined MoA
Traitors!
PF programs are all based on deception and lottery – pay money upfront and receive partial farming inputs, presidential empowerment means – receive PF chitenge and parade for publicity and you are empowered. Its all “Donchi Kebeba”. 2021 in your face.
How come? Government controls all border points through its immigration and customs functions. Are we becoming a failed state where such functions cannot be performed?
The subsidised farm equipments come from the tax paid by hardworking people of Zambia. They are giving their hard earned money to help the under privileged and needy section of society. Don’t insult them by selling the farm equipments for money.
The money earned by selling the subsidised farm equipments won’t last for life. Some day or the other it will get exhausted. What after that? They will again come back to square one with a begging bowl in hand. Then there will be no one to help you. Think of the long term. Short germ gains might bring long term losses.
Selling subsidised farm equipments is no less than a crime. It is breach of trust of those who toil hard and pay the taxes. Don’t forget, this is not the last time they need help. What if Government refuse to help them next time? They should not be greedy. farmers can earn fortunes if the farm equipments are put to right use that is in the farm to cultivate land.
This is disgusting, if true. How inhuman! Think of those who are actually paying for the subsidies we enjoy. They don’t get anything in return. Yet they continue to pay taxes on time so that the nation gets money to implement welfare schemes such as FISP. Don’t be so ungrateful that people will think twice before helping the needy.
ESV
Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
Selling subsidised farm equipments is no less than stealing and swindling. The greed will not take you anywhere, but on the path of moral destruction.