Chief Chimese seeks early inputs

Chief Chimese of the Ushi people in Mansa District has urged the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) and the Ministry of Agriculture to commence the distribution of farming inputs under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) before the onset of the rains. In an interview with the media,…

Chief Chimese of the Ushi people in Mansa District has urged the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) and the Ministry of Agriculture to commence the distribution of farming inputs under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) before the onset of the rains.

In an interview with the media, Chief Chimese noted that by September and October, farmers will begin land preparation ahead of the rainy season.

He emphasised that in order for farmers to maintain the positive trajectory of maize production seen in the 2025/2026 farming season, farming inputs must be distributed on time to ensure timely planting.

“I am grateful to the government for the way the Food Reserve Agency is working. Our farmers are being paid on time, and this time around we are appreciating the electronic system of paying farmers via mobile money services. This is why even when it comes to inputs, they should be given on time,” said Chief Chimese.

The traditional leader further observed that the government needs to start empowering farmers with irrigation systems so that the country can produce maize all year round.

“We are doing well in production, and just as President Hakainde Hichilema has been talking about increasing maize output, we now need to seriously consider irrigation so that crop production continues throughout the year,” he said.

Meanwhile, a farmer at Mano Satellite Depot in Mansa District, Aaron Chanda, commended the Food Reserve Agency for paying farmers through mobile money services.

“Previously, we used to line up at banks for days before receiving our money. Now, farmers are paid via mobile money within three days,” he said.

Mr Chanda added that the initiative is commendable and urged that payment services be further improved to make the cost of doing business easier for farmers.