By Happy Mulolani
GOVERNMENT says it has reached 55 per cent distribution of inputs to districts countrywide.
Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo disclosed in a press briefing in Lusaka that farmers will begin collecting their inputs on 10th November 2022 for this farming season.
“” Farmers will be allowed to start collecting the inputs from 10th November 2022 and the payments will be on-going. I therefore encourage all successfully selected farmers to deposit their contributions at the earliest possible opportunity,” Mr Mtolo said.
He vehemently stated that stringent measures have been put in place to ensure effective monitoring of the use of the inputs, noting that those found wanting will be prosecuted.
Mr Mtolo clarified that all eligible farmers are only required to pay K400 and no other funds are expected to be paid and also the only form of identification, is a voter’s card to register in order to benefit from the programme.
He also explained that both new and old cooperative members will be allowed to access inputs to ensure farmers gradually graduate from the programme. This will ensure a smooth transition of old farmers to purchase fertiliser and other inputs on the open market.
Mr Mtolo said government will consider a process of gradual of the farmers who have benefitted for a sometime.
“Government is considering a gradual graduation of older members, starting 80 % of coverage for older members and 20% for the new farmers until all older members are completely phased out,” disclosed Mr Mtolo.
Government targets to support 1,024,434 farmers through the Direct Input Supply modality. Government’s total tonnage of fertilizer for farming season is 307,330.20 metric tonnes of which 153,665.10 is Compound D and 153,665.10 is urea. The inputs have been procured at a total cost of fertiliser US$ 369,073,965.74. –NAIS
