WITH the anticipation of early and good rainfall this year, Eastern Province yesterday launched its 2024/2025 farming input support programme (FISP).
Speaking to journalists in Chipata district, Eastern Province on Sunday, Acting Provincial Permanent Secretary, Lewis Mwape, disclosed that this year’s FISP programme is currently targeting over 194,000 beneficiaries.
Dr Mwape said despite the challenges faced with the e-voucher system last time, the UPND government has approached the system in a more methodical manner, which will also provide learning opportunities for beneficiaries in the Province.
He revealed that so far, a total of 194,543 farmers will be benefiting, and that five districts have been earmarked for the e-voucher system as a pilot project.
“As a methodical government, You are aware that we are a government that is systematic and we have portioned about five districts that will be undertaking the e-voucher system,” he said.
Dr Mwape added that another benefit of the e-voucher is that it will give farmers the flexibility to choose any other crops they may need to plant.
He noted that yesterday’s flagging off of inputs under the FISP programme was conducted by the Provincial administration in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture.
“We are aware that this year we might have good rains, and our farmers must be prepared and receive their farming inputs in time so that we do not have a reparation of what happened last year,” he added.
He emphasised that Eastern Province is an agricultural powerhouse and plays a vital role in ensuring the country’s food security.
By Buumba Mwitumwa in Chipata
Kalemba September 24, 2024
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