President Hakainde Hichilema has assured farmers that the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) will pay them on time during the marketing season, as the government moves to upscale the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).
Addressing Mpongwe residents today, President Hichilema said 2026 is a critical year for the country and urged Zambians to safeguard the gains made since 2021.
“We must not go back. Going back will take us backwards, we must also guard against a return to the era of violence, “he said.
President Hichilema noted that the government remains committed to policies that improve the livelihoods of citizens, particularly farmers.
He announced that the FISP will be scaled to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive their inputs on time.
“The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) will also pay farmers on time,” he said.
President Hichilema reaffirmed that the government will complete the Mpongwe-Machiya road and construct a district hospital in the area.
The Head of State also called on Mpongwe residents to vote for the United Party for National Development (UPND) in the General Elections slated for 13th August, 2026, to enable the continued implementation of developmental programmes.
President Hichilema thanked the people of Mpongwe for their support in the 2021 elections, which he said contributed to the UPND forming government.
Agriculture remains the mainstay of Mpongwe District, with FISP and FRA operations directly impacting thousands of small-scale farmers.
