North-western Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Luckson Mulumbi says government will support 67,973 farmers under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) during the 2026/2027 farming season in North-western Province.
He said the programme will be implemented through the electronic voucher system in all districts of the Province.
The Provincial Deputy Secretary announced this during the official opening of the 63rd North-Western Provincial Agricultural and Commercial Show held in Solwezi.
“Government remains resolute and is implementing a series of strategic policy interventions that are aimed at stimulating productive capacity and enabling a conducive investment climate,
“Your government shall continue to support farmers through provision of farming inputs through the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP). This year, the programme shall be implemented through the electronic voucher modality in all districts and will support sixty-seven thousand nine hundred and seventy-three (67,973) beneficiaries,” he said.
Mr Mulumbi further said the Zambia agribusiness trade project is offering matching grants of up to 50,000 United States dollars to producer organizations such as cooperatives and farmer associations for the acquisition of productive assets and investments expenditures.
He said the project targets producers of crops, livestock, aquaculture and non-timber forest commodities, with 33 proposals currently being considered, while twelve 12 business plans have been submitted for evaluation.
Mr Mulumbi added that the province has also received 30 tractors and related implements, through the mechanise 360 project aimed at mechanising farming activities from land preparation to harvesting and value addition.
He further underscored the importance of the provincial agricultural show as a platform where farmers, entrepreneurs, investors and government agencies come together to share knowledge, discover innovations and forge partnerships that will drive productivity and commercial growth.
“Let us use this show as a springboard to ignite innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable agricultural growth. I encourage all exhibitors and show goers to utilize this opportunity to learn, network and explore new ideas,” he said.
He also acknowledged the continued contribution of the three major mines operating in the province; FQM Trident limited, Kansanshi Mine Company Plc and Barrick Gold mine towards agriculture activities in the province
Speaking at the same event Provincial Agricultural Show Society Chairperson Amos Watambwa said this year’s theme reflects North-western Province’s growing potential as a regional trade and investment hub.
“The province is of great advantage fitting in well with the theme, considering trading within the country and across borders particularly Congo DR and Angola especially with the coming of the Lobito Corridor Project,” he said.
Mr Watambwa further thanked farmers for their continued hard work in crop production and contribution to the country’s food security.
