AGRICULTURE Minister Reuben Mtolo has highlighted the success of input distribution under both the Electronic Voucher (e-voucher) and Direct Input Supply (DIS) modalities.
Mtolo said nationwide, more than 99 percent of verified farmers have redeemed their inputs.
“As of December 26, 2024, 1,023,988 farmers had deposited their contributions, amounting to K409,595,200.00, with 1,016,054 of them successfully redeeming their inputs,” Phiri disclosed.
Phiri also noted that the 2024/25 farming season e-Voucher rollout was a resounding success.
“As of 26th December, 2024, out of the 739,266 farmer beneficiaries, 738,816 representing 99.9 percent had deposited for their inputs and of which, 731,010 representing 98.9 percent successfully redeemed their inputs,” he said.
“A total of 631 agro input suppliers were engaged to supply inputs to farmers. These included 25 seed companies, 30 fertilizer and agrochemicals companies, and 576 agro dealers. These operated 1,056 branch outlets across the 74 participating districts under the e-Voucher.”
Mtolo said the system has not only streamlined input distribution but also allowed farmers to select inputs tailored to their needs, boosting productivity.
He said the system has also created opportunities for agro-SMEs and rural youth while improving liquidity through timely supplier payments.
“The input distribution under the Direct Input System (DIS) across 42 districts was highly successful, with 42,775.20 Metric Tons (MT) representing 100 percent of Compound D and 100 percent of Urea fertilizers distributed, along with all contracted seeds.”
“As of 26th December, 2024, out of the 285,168 targeted farmers, a total of 285,044 beneficiaries representing 99.96 percent had successfully redeemed their farming inputs,” said Mtolo.
Local fertilizer producers, including United Capital Fertilizer (UCF) and Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) Limited, played a key role in ensuring timely delivery of the inputs and the minister could not hide his pride in Government’s efforts of positive segregation to support the companies producing fertiliser in the country.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba December 30, ,2024