The Ministry of Agriculture has commenced the training and sensitisation of agro-dealers, input suppliers and other key stakeholders under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) as part of Government’s early preparations for the 2026/2027 Agricultural Season.
The training programme demonstrates Government’s continued commitment to ensuring that farmers receive quality agricultural inputs on time, while strengthening food security, increasing agricultural productivity and improving farmers’ livelihoods across the country.
Speaking during the official opening of the FISP Sensitisation and Training Workshop for Agro-Dealers on behalf of the Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Mr. John Mulongoti, the Director of Agribusiness and Marketing, Mrs. Mwendalubi Moono Msoka, said Government remains focused on putting farmers first by preparing well ahead of the farming season.
Mrs. Msoka said the workshop is an important platform for equipping agro-dealers, suppliers and implementing partners with the knowledge and skills required to effectively deliver the Farmer Input Support Programme, ensuring farmers have timely access to quality agricultural inputs.
She said the success of FISP depends on the collective efforts of Government, agro-dealers, seed companies, financial institutions, extension officers and other stakeholders, who all play a vital role in supporting Zambia’s agricultural transformation agenda.
Mrs. Msoka reaffirmed Government’s commitment to achieving the national agricultural production targets of 10 million metric tonnes of maize, 3 million metric tonnes of soybeans,1 million metric tonnes of wheat and 1 million metric tonnes of sugar annually by 2031, adding that the country’s projected maize harvest of over five million metric tonnes this year reflects the positive impact of Government’s farmer support programmes and the resilience of Zambia’s farming community.
She further noted that despite positive production prospects, Government is proactively preparing for the anticipated El Niño conditions forecast for the 2026/2027 season by promoting climate-smart agriculture, expanding irrigation development, encouraging the use of drought-tolerant and early-maturing seed varieties, strengthening agricultural extension services and supporting increased mechanisation.
Mrs. Msoka also highlighted Government’s successful implementation of the 100 percent Electronic Voucher (E-Voucher) FISP modality, describing it as a major reform that has enhanced transparency, improved efficiency and empowered farmers with greater flexibility in accessing approved agricultural inputs from accredited agro-dealers.
She urged agro-dealers to uphold professionalism, integrity and accountability by supplying only approved, quality agricultural inputs and providing efficient services to farmers, noting that they remain an important link in ensuring the success of the programme.
Mrs. Msoka further called on seed companies and input suppliers to continue investing in research and innovation to develop climate-resilient technologies that will help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns and improve productivity.
She reiterated Government’s zero tolerance towards counterfeit agricultural inputs, warning that any individuals or companies found selling fake seed, fertiliser or crop protection products would face appropriate legal action to safeguard farmers and protect national food security.
Mrs. Msoka encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training to strengthen collaboration, exchange knowledge and reaffirm their commitment to delivering a transparent, efficient and farmer-centred Farmer Input Support Programme.
The Ministry of Agriculture remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that preparations for the forthcoming farming season are completed on time, thereby enabling farmers to access quality inputs early and contribute to increased agricultural production, enhanced household incomes and national food security.
