JOHN KOMBE
Gwembe district commissioner, Timothy Siakaziba has hailed the speedy implementation of the Farmer Input Supply Program (FISP), saying that it will positively impact on household food security in the area.
Mr. Siakaziba made the observation in an interview with the Daily nation. He disclosed that 4, 019 farmers out of the targeted 4, 400 FISP beneficiary farmers deposited funds and redeemed their inputs in the 2020/2021 agriculture season.
According to him, the uptake by farmers was excellent. He pointed out that the smooth FISP implementation coupled with good rains would greatly enhance household food security in the district. He said that the yields for the farming season were projected to be very good.
He said that this was exciting as the district would have enough food for households. In his view, this was a great relief to the people of the area.
He noted that the early input distribution was testimony that the government was committed to ensuring that the agriculture sector thrives. He said that it was for this reason that the government was emphasizing diversification to agriculture. To him, this was evidently becoming a reality.
He said the government would continue to ensure that the input distribution was kept at its best. He was also pleased that the agro dealers that were contracted in Gwembe did not disappoint and had performed to expectation. He therefore urged them to continue adhering to government guidelines in future undertakings.
The DC further urged the farmers in the area not to fall prey to briefcase businessmen who would come to buy their produce at a giveaway price. He said that the farmers must wait for the right time when the government will provide guidance on the pricing.
