Dont exchange inputs with beer, farmers advised

The vulnerable but viable farmers in Chibote village of Kawambwa district have been cautioned against exchanging agricultural inputs meant for Food Security Programme (FSP) with local beer.

Assistant Community Development Officer, Chola Chakopo said it was a pity that some vulnerable but viable farmers in Chibote have a habit of exchanging fertilizer with local beer, a development that has worsened the hunger situation in the area.

Ms. Chakopo issued the warning in Chibote on Friday during a sensitization meeting in readiness for this year’s winter maize growing, which has been delayed.

The vulnerable but viable farmers in this area grow their off-rain season crops on the wetlands between August and November.

She said the inputs that will soon be given to vulnerable but viable farmers are meant to reduce hunger among the people and wonders why some beneficiaries resort to exchanging fertilizer and seeds with local beer.

However, she noted that after the introduction of the FSP, most vulnerable people’s sufferings have reduced because they had put the commodity to good use.

Ms. Chakopo also said in certain areas, some people have done better than before after receiving inputs for winter maize growing and have therefore managed to sponsor their children to school.

She cited Kabanda Area Coordinating Committee (ACC), whose members were doing fine in winter farming, as one of the areas that have done well.

She said the members of this committee have since diversified in crop production, paid back their loans and saved some money in banks.

Meanwhile, Ms. Chakopo has clarified that the Food Security Programme (FSP) was not a politically driven programme.

She said the programme was not political but developmental adding that whoever gets a loan from it should pay back so that other vulnerable but viable farmers can also benefit.

ZANIS