GOVERNMENT IS A LETDOWN ON FISP – CHIEF MPEZENI
By Diamond Media Staff
Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni People in Eastern Province says government has terribly failed farmers on the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP).
The traditional leader has urged President Hakainde Hichilema to seek urgent avenues that will revive the struggling program because if not addressed it will lead to unstable national food security next year.
Chief Mpezeni has since advised the head of state to take control of the entire process because the program is headed for mass failures that will have dire consequences.
The Paramount Chief’s comments come amid complaints by farmers over the prolonged inconsistencies that have hampered efficient distribution of inputs by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture Reuben Mtolo Phiri has told Parliament today that government has set November month end as a time frame to complete FISP.
Mr. Phiri says 57 percent of the inputs are already within the country while 43 percent are yet to arrive.