Government has empowered 4,528 small scale entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector countrywide through the provision of K117 million under the Strategic Agriculture Finance Facility (SAFF).
These Agri pioneers extend beyond the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) beneficiaries.
Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo, in a recent discussion with Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane, revealed that out of the 117 million Kwacha, 110 million Kwacha was already distributed to 4,528 beneficiaries nationwide, selected from the 20,250 applicants.
Dr Musokotwane emphasized the facility’s role as an equalizer in the agriculture sector, addressing Agri entrepreneurs not covered by FISP.
Despite its notable progress, he acknowledged challenges in fund distribution and utilization, urging prompt enhancements in system integration, oversight, and farmer support to optimize impact and effectiveness.
Pictures for illustration
By Buumba Mwitumwa
Kalemba January 29, 2024
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