A total of 65,142 out of 65,153 targeted farmers under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) have successfully collected their farming inputs.
Muchinga Province Principal Public Relations Officer, Ruth Mumba, who disclosed the information in a press statement made available to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS), said the Ministry of Agriculture in the province had targeted 65,153 farmers under Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), during the 2024/2025 farming season with implementation through two distinct modalities.
Ms Mumba named the distinct modalities as Direct Input Supply (DIS) and the E-Voucher System.
She stated that the Direct Input Supply is being Implemented in Mafinga and Lavushimanda Districts benefiting 12,300 farmers who received a fixed package of fertiliser of both basal and top dressing, maize seed and legumes such as soybeans or groundnuts.
Ms Mumba added that the E-Voucher System being Implemented in the six districts namely Mpika, Chinsali, Isoka, Nakonde, Shiwang’andu and Kanchibiya targets 52,853 farmers.
“Through this system, beneficiaries received electronic vouchers to redeem inputs from registered agro-dealers, giving them flexibility in selecting the inputs best suited for their agricultural activities,” she said.
Ms Mumba added that through the two distinct modalities all the targeted 65,153 farmers successfully deposited the required K400 contribution, showcasing their commitment to the programme.
She mentioned that fertiliser and seed were delivered on time, ensuring that farmers in DIS districts received their inputs without delay.
Ms Mumba added that 99.98 percent of farmers translating to 65,142 out of 65,153 successfully collected their inputs, reflecting efficient programme execution.
“Enhanced connectivity facilitated the seamless implementation of the e-voucher system, ensuring smooth transactions between farmers and agro-dealers,” she added.
Ms Mumba also stated that deployment of dedicated agricultural officers across most agricultural camps has improved information flow, farmer engagement and the programme coordination.
And Ms Mumba further said a total of 2,025 farmers applied for Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility (SAFF) which was introduced in the 2023 – 2024 farming season to expand access to agricultural financing, particularly for farmers not covered under FISP.
She said out of the 2, 025 farmers, 476 received financing in the entire province.
“The inclusion of irrigation and mechanisation loans has provided more farmers with access to critical financing,” Ms Mumba stated.
She noted that SAFF has provided essential funding to small and medium-sized agribusinesses thereby strengthening the agricultural value chain.
Ms Mumba said the provincial administration is proud of the progress achieved under both FISP and SAFF during the 2024 – 2025 farming season, adding that the two programmes have played a vital role in enhancing agricultural productivity, strengthening food security, and improving the livelihoods of farmers across the province.
