Neef fertiliser loans give smallholder farmers hope
Smallholder farmers in Traditional Authority Mpherembe in Mzimba District have expressed hope of getting bumper yields after accessing fertiliser under National Economic Empowerment Fund (Neef) farm inputs loans.
Lisa Chasiya Mbewa, who got K12 million worth of fertiliser for her 24-hectare maize farm, said it was expensive to buy fertiliser on the market.

She said this on Monday when Neef distributed 400 bags of fertiliser worth K42.2 million in the area.
“By bringing the inputs to our area, they have cut down transport costs which we would have incurred if we were to get the fertiliser elsewhere like Mzuzu and Rumphi as we do not have many agro-dealers in our area,” said Mbewa.
On his part, Senior Chief Mpherembe commended government for providing farm inputs to many beneficiaries, saying the initiative will go a long way in averting food insecurity.
He said: “Previously, most households were growing crops on small land because they could not afford to buy fertiliser. Now, we are seeing more people expanding their farming areas because they have access to this loan.
“We are, therefore, optimistic that with this intervention, food insecurity will be history.”
The chief advised those who have benefitted from the facility to use the fertiliser prudently to realise bumper yield.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Benedicto Chambo, who presided over the ceremony, said government has put in place various strategies to ensure food security.
“We are promoting megafarm initiative, the Affordable Inputs Programme and this loan scheme. These initiatives will boost crop production,” he said.
Neef chief executive officer Humphrey Mdyetseni said they provide farm loans for farmers to utilise them.