Petauke DC urges FSP loan repayment

Petauke District Commissioner (DC) Wachepa Phiri has urged beneficiaries of the Food Security Pack (FSP) Programme to prioritise repaying the government loan after harvesting their crops. Mr Phiri says timely repayment will allow other vulnerable but viable farmers to benefit…

Petauke District Commissioner (DC) Wachepa Phiri has urged beneficiaries of the Food Security Pack (FSP) Programme to prioritise repaying the government loan after harvesting their crops.

Mr Phiri says timely repayment will allow other vulnerable but viable farmers to benefit from the programme and contribute to reducing poverty in the district.

Speaking during the relaunch of the 2026 Food Security Pack (FSP) Wetland Input Distribution Exercise held at Kawele Primary School, Mr Phiri also cautioned beneficiaries against selling the farming inputs, saying the practice frustrates government’s efforts to uplift the living standards of vulnerable but viable households.

Mr Phiri highlighted that over 8,000 people from low-income households in Petauke District have benefited from the FSP Programme since 2021.

“I am aware that Petauke District is benefiting from all the three components of the FSP,” Mr Phiri said.

He said an additional 1,050 beneficiaries will be supported under the programme this season.

Mr Phiri added that under the rain fed cropping component, over 8,000 people have benefited from the programme since 2021, while 300 people have benefited from the livestock support component during the same period.

“Let us ensure that we utilise these government empowerment programmes to ensure our livelihoods are uplifted,” the DC said.

And Headman Chandema, Befu Lungu, expressed gratitude to the government on behalf of the beneficiaries, stating that the inputs would be put to good use.

Mr Lungu also cautioned fellow beneficiaries against selling the inputs provided by the government.

He said beneficiaries found selling the inputs should not blame the government for any action taken against them.

The Headman noted that government guidelines are clear, urging FSP beneficiaries to ensure that they operate within the guidelines governing the use of the inputs.

“Government has given us these inputs. Let us not sell them because these inputs or intervention is meant to empower us,” Mr Lungu said.