MoA Records 99% FISP Input Redemption Success in Samfya
Mr. Eric Mwila DMDO during the interview with NAIS.
By Ceasar Mbewe, Samfya District, Luapula Province, Zambia
The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) in Samfya District has recorded a 99 percent success rate in the redemption of farming inputs under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).
Speaking to the National Agriculture Information Service (NAIS), District Marketing Development Officer (DMDO) Eric Mwila disclosed that out of 3,884 farmers enrolled under the programme, only 27 farmers are yet to redeem their inputs.
Mr. Mwila attributed the delay to minor challenges, including insufficient funds on some e-voucher cards and a few system-related glitches.
“The 27 farmers remaining is due to insufficient funds and a few glitches in the system, which will be dealt with before the end of this week,” Mr. Mwila said.
He further noted that the achievement is a result of close collaboration between district agricultural officers and farmers to ensure that inputs are accessed by the rightful beneficiaries.
Confirming the development, District Agriculture Coordinator (DACO) Mr. Munshya Musonda said the figures reflect the actual number of farmers who have successfully redeemed their inputs using the e-voucher system, which Government has been implementing since 2023.
“What we can confirm now is that all the input packs have gone to the right beneficiaries, and Government is working hard to ensure that farmers plant on time,” Mr. Musonda said.
Meanwhile, farmers in the district have also confirmed receiving their farming inputs. One farmers Ms. Agnes Musonda from Mano Camp said delays experienced by a few farmers were largely linked to errors made during deductions by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA).
“The only challenge we had was that some farmers were deducted more while others were deducted less in order to meet the K400 contribution which every farmer under FISP is expected to pay,” the farmer explained.
The high redemption rate in Samfya District is expected to positively contribute to timely planting and improved agricultural productivity during the current farming season. – NAIS.
