Neria praised for early inputs distribution

THE early distribution of fertliser by Neria investment Limited will allow farmers to prepare in advance and cultivate more maize fields, says Chief Mphamba of Tumbuka people in Lundazi district. Chief Mphamba said late distribution of farm inputs disadvantaged many farmers, but it is good that the input was already in the district. The chief said farmers were being disadvantaged due to late distribution of FISP and thanked President Edgar Lungu through Ministry of Agriculture for reverting back to conventional FISP. The traditional leader however expressed concern over the delay by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to pay farmers on time, explaining that this was a big challenge because they were being hindered. He said this when Neria investment Limited general manager Martin Chaikatisha called on him at his palace yesterday. And chief Mphamba said diversification from mining to Agriculture has really helped farmers in the district because many farmers were progressing and able to look after families. The traditional leader pledged to continue working with government and spearhead farming in his chiefdom to eradicate poverty. "Am happy that Neria Investment has delivered fertilizer on time which will allow farmers to plan well and cultivate more fields unlike last year when many farmers did not cultivate because of the confusion they faced using e_ voucher system. Therefore, he said, this will be to our advantage and will motivate farmers unlike a situation where we plant and then fertilizer is not available," said chief Mphamba. Meanwhile Neria Investment Limited general manager Mr Chaikatisha said the company stood ready to perform on the contract which stipulates that fertilizer being delivered as early as September. Mr Chaikatisha assured farmers not to panic has there were enough stock in all the districts. "We are happy that we have delivered fertilizer on time as early as September as it is stipulated in our contract and over the years we have performed according to government's expectations as well as to people and will continue delivering on time and this is why we are here to inform our chief how prepared we are, " said Mr Chaikatisha.