Collection of farming inputs across the country by farmers under the 2022/2023 Farmer Input Support Program (FISP) has not commenced.
A check in provincial centers by Diamond TV Reporters in Chipata, Chinsali, Livingstone, Solwezi and Mazabuka districts as well as in some areas on the Copperbelt Province has revealed that the exercise has not started, an issue that has thrown farmers in more suspense.
Notably, in some areas farmers have started making 400 Kwacha mandatory contributions towards the program, while others have not even undertaken verification of their names.
This is contrary to the announcement by Minister of Agriculture Rueben Mtholo Phiri that 55 percent of D-compound fertilizer was set to be delivered to farmers today Thursday 10th November 2022 and beneficiaries would start receiving inputs.
Because of the sluggish process many food producers anticipate lower yields from this farming season.
By Cecilia Mporokoso