Late delivery of Inputs worries Mkushi farmers
A CIVIC leader in Luano has bemoaned late delivery of inputs under Farmer Inputs Support Programme (FISP) for 2017-2018 farming season.
United Party for National Development (UPND) Nkomashi ward Councillor Goliath Kapemba voiced his concern in an interview with the Daily Nation.
Mr Kapemba raised fears that if the inputs are not delivered on time, it will be difficult for transporters to reach far-flung areas because roads will become impassable due to the rains.
Mr Kapemba said there was need for the government to expedite the distribution exercise of FISP inputs so that farmers could kick off and practice early planting.
“Government should come in and expedite the distribution exercise. If not, the area will not enjoy a bumper harvest like the previous season due to inputs delivery compounded by climatic changes.” Mr. Kapemba said.
Mr. Kapemba added that majority of people in the area are small-scale farmers who largely depend on FISP. Hence, the need for the government to arrest the situation before the situation got out of hand.
Mr Kapemba also said that farmers in the area are anxious about the e-voucher system.
He said farmers are wondering whether it will work out in their favour or not and so the need for government to expedite early distribution of inputs to end the doubts.