Serenje district flags off e-voucher input distribution… as DC calls for prudent use of inputs

By Moses Nyati

Serenje District Commissioner Paul Masuwa says government will continue to support farmers through various interventions such as the Farmers Input Support Programme (FISP), Sustainable Agriculture Finance Facility (SAFF) so as to increase their production and productivity.  

The district commissioner said this during the flagging off of the 2023/24 FISP E-voucher input distribution targeting 19,097 beneficiaries in Serenje district of Central Province.

Mr. Masuwa said government will use E-voucher system in implementing the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) as the modality will enhance access to agricultural inputs by small-scale farmers at an affordable cost and also increase the participation and competitiveness of the private sector in the supply and distribution of agricultural inputs.

The District Commissioner added that government through the Comprehensive Agriculture Support Program and Sustainable Agriculture Finance Facility (SAFF) will this year give out input loans to eligible farmers to either grow maize or soyabeans upto 5 hectares.

He also called on farmers in the district to advantage of under the constituency development fund (CDF) by applying for loans or grant so as to increase their agriculture production.

Mr. Masuwa was however quick to caution FISP benefitting farmers to prudently use the inputs and avoid sharing of inputs as this may result in the disqualification of the farmer or cooperative that would be found wanting.

Speaking at the same function Serenje Council Chairperson Stavious Mulubwa thanked government for the early distribution of inputs and further called for close monitoring of FISP exercise to avoid pilferage.

Mr. Mulubwa assured farmers that the local authority would soon embark on road rehabilitation exercise so as the improve the movement of inputs and market access.

And speaking on behalf of farmers, Caleb Ndameka, thanked government for raising the input pack value toK6,980 but was however quick to call on government to ensure prices for inputs were maintained so that farmers could get value for the pack.

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