Smallholder farmers in Salima District have expressed optimism that the National Economic Empowerment Fund (Neef) farm inputs programme will boost crop production.
Since last November, Neef has been distributing fertiliser to farmers on a loan scheme.
In Salima, Minister of Higher Education Jessie Kabwila led the distribution exercise in Traditional Authority Salima on Thursday.
Rose Kabwabwa from Chigule Women’s Farmers’ Club said the fertiliser will improve her crop production.
“I nearly gave up hope of getting a bumper yield this year due to lack of fertiliser. I will not hesitate to apply the fertiliser in my garden,” she said.
In her remarks, Kabwila said government was committed to supporting farmers with inputs to achieve food security.
She said: “Government is doing everything possible to ensure the country is food-secure. We understand that the opposition has been saying that our government does not take care of its
citizens, which is not true.
“Government has directed Neef to provide fertiliser to everyone regardless of political affiliations.”
NeefCentre-East region manager Ernest Tumbwe said they distributed 439 bags of Urea in Salima Central West Constituency because farmers were in need of inputs.
“We are only giving out fertilisersto those who are willing to apply for the loans. Instead of giving them money, we are giving them the inputs because fertiliser is a scarce commodity in the country,” he said.
This is not the first time Neef is distributing fertiliser in Salima as the exercise also took place last month.
During the Mid-Year Budget Review last November, Parliament approved K150 billion allocation to Neef to support farmers with loans for farm inputs.
