The Department of Agriculture in Milenge district, Luapula Province has started distributing farming inputs to beneficiaries under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).
Acting Milenge District Agricultural Coordinator (DACO) Anne Nyirongo says the district has an allocation of 4, 600 farmers who are expected to benefit from the programme.
Ms. Nyirongo has revealed that 6, 126 of 50 kilogram bags of D-compound fertiliser have been delivered to the district so far.
“13, 800 of 50 kilogram bags of D-compound fertilizer and urea of the same quantity were allocated to the district. We have also received 1,920 of 50 kilogram bags of Urea so far,” she explained.
Ms. Nyirongo further states that the number of cooperatives receiving inputs has increased from 155 in the 2021/2022 farming season to 265 in the 2022/2023 farming season.
“The quantity of farming inputs received have been maintained as they were last year. Therefore, we have reduced the number of packs each cooperative is receiving to cater for the newly added cooperatives,” she said.
Stephen Mwansa, a FISP beneficiary says the farming inputs he has received will go a long way in promoting food security in his household.
Mr. Mwansa notes that he could not afford the inputs earlier due to limited financial resources.
“I am thankful to government for coming to my aid. I will be able to grow maize for home consumption and also for sale,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chief Sokontwe of the Ushi people in Milenge district has implored government to increase the quantity of farming inputs allocated to the district in the coming farming season.
Chief Sokontwe observed that agriculture is the major source of livelihood for people in his chiefdom hence there is need to aid them in a bid to increase their productivity.