Smart Zambia National Coordinator Martin Mtonga says the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the agriculture sector has helped address some challenges faced in the distribution of farming inputs under the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP).
Dr. Mtonga said through the use of ICT, government has sealed the loop-holes that earlier caused problems in the effective implementation of FISP across the country.
He explained that so far over 800, 000 out of the one million targeted farmers have responded positively to the electronic voucher system.
Dr. Mtonga, who is also Deputy Secretary to Cabinet, E-Government Division, revealed that Northern Province is one of the regions in the country responding positively to the FISP programme.
He notes that currently two systems are being implemented in the Province namely, the direct input support system and the card-less redeeming system.
Dr. Mtonga adds that government remains committed to improving service provision through the implementation of ICT in various sectors of the economy such as agriculture.
He was speaking in Kasama today when he addressed government officials with regards to the implementation of E-government systems in Northern Province.
Meanwhile, Dr Mtonga has handed over a brand new motor Nissan Hard-body vehicle on behalf of government, bought at a cost of over K200, 000 to the Northern Province Administration, meant for the implementation of ICT programmes in the province.
He explained that government is aware of the challenges being faced by people in the districts, hence the initiative to procure a vehicle to enhance government operations in the region.
Dr. Mtonga has since urged the Provincial Administration to put the donated vehicle to good use.
And speaking after receiving the new vehicle, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary Sineva Kambenja thanked the Smart Zambia Institute for rolling out the e-government systems and services to Northern Province.