2019/2020 Fisp a Mess-Parliament

An investigation by the Parliamentary Committee on the Farm Input and Subsidy Program has revealed that only 4 out of fifty-nine companies contracted to supply fertilizer to farmer's are actually doing the retail sales on the market.

Vice Chairperson for the Committee, Ulemu Chilapondwa, has told Zodiak Online this has resulted in a majority of beneficiaries failing to access the inputs.

The committee has also established that some suppliers are using middlemen to buy coupons from farmers and then redeeming the money from government.

"This year's program is a mess compared to previous years. Next year we should expect food shortages as benefiting farmers have failed to access the inputs," said Chilapondwa.

Ministry of Agriculture Spokesperson, Priscila Mateyu, has refuted the findings.

"Together with Police, the Ministry does periodic checks to makesure that coupons are used by the beneficiaries for intended purpose," said Mateyu.

She said this will help farmers to be self sufficient at household level thereby assisting the country to be food secure.

Since 2005, government has invested over 398 Billion Kwacha in the programme aimed at addressing food shortages among smallholder farmers in the country

 

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