National Economic Empowerment Fund (Neef) has encouraged farmers in Mchinji to plant trees to mitigate the effects of climate change such as floods and dry spells.
Speaking on Monday during the distribution of tree seedlings to farmers, Neef board chairperson Jephta Mtema said planting trees will help conserve the environment.
He said farmers will benefit if the country plants more trees because the initiative will reverse the impact of climate change.
In her remarks, Mchinji South legislator Agnes Nkusa Nkhoma hailed Neef farm inputs loans, saying they are giving an opportunity to everyone to embark on farming and address hunger.
She has since called on government to phase out the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) and put more resources in the farm inputs loans facility.
“People are suffering because of AIP. People sleep at selling points and few farmers are benefitting. AIP is prone to abuse as people sell identification cards to vendors who buy the fertiliser instead,” said Nkusa Nkhoma.
She also commended Neef for promoting tree-planting initiative, saying it will help restore vegetation and boost soil fertility.
Senior Chief Mavwere also said Neef farm inputs loans are a game-changer in addressing hunger in the district.
During the Mid-Term Budget last year, Parliament approved K150 billion allocation to Neef to support farmers with loans for farm inputs.
The facility is targeting farmers with at least five acres of land.
