2022/2023 FISP DISTRIBUTION EXERCISE APPLAUDED - SENGA HILL FARMERS

FARMERS in Senga Hill have tcommended the government following the quick distribution of the Fertiliser Input Support Programme of the 2022/2023 farming season.

Ms Dorothy Nambao of Shikulu Musonda Cooperative in Nondo Agricultural Camp described the process of collecting the inputs as a success in that it enabled them to collect their inputs on time as a cooperative.

She added that as a cooperative they were happy with the government’s pronouncement of having each beneficiary farmer collect their own inputs.

“As a cooperative we were excited when we head that government had introduced a policy were each beneficiary farmer was to collect their own inputs. This to us was a welcome move in order to maintain transparency and also to ensure that each one got their packages in full,” Ms Nambao explained.

She however noted that as an executive they decided to have their input packages shared with those that were left out on the beneficiary list.

“Well as you may note, not everyone was in these cooperatives was a beneficiary, so as an executive, we decided that we disband the packs and share inputs with the rest of the members who were not part of the beneficiary list in order to enable them to have to secure a harvest for their homes,” she said.

And Mr Kelvin Mulenga of Rueben Cooperative narrated that this year’s FISP distribution exercise was conducted in an exceptional manner which wasn’t expected.

“I am very delighted in the manner in which the FISP distribution exercise was conducted. From the stories we had, we were so sure we would be getting our inputs somewhere in March 2023. However the process was so fast and well-coordinated enabling us farmers to quickly get back to our fields and have our fields planted on time”, he said.

Mr Mulenga further thanked government and the Agriculture staff for working tirelessly in ensuring that farmers redeemed their inputs on time.

“I really thank Government