FISP to phase out gradually as Govt introduces agriculture loans

Minister of Agriculture Reuben Mtolo Phiri has clarified that the Government will phase out the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) gradually as it plans to introduce agriculture loans.

Mr Phiri said the Government is looking at introducing agriculture loans which will run concurrently with FISP.

He said this when he gave a ministerial statement in parliament on the Government’s position on the future of FISP.

“We have a programme where we give out free seed and fertilizer and we are saying this programme will go side by side with the agriculture loans. And between the two the one which is more preferred is the loan but this does not mean we are stopping FISP,” said Mr Phiri.

Mr Phiri also said that farmers who will not be included on FISP should consider getting the agriculture loans.

He challenged the MPs to disseminate correct information in their constituencies on the two Government programmes which are aimed at supporting the farmers.

Mr Phiri added that farmers who are benefiting from FISP will be required to sale the surplus produce to the Food Reserve Agency.

“Going forward all those who are benefiting from FISP will be required to sell their surplus crops to the Government because these crops are subsidized. Let us give back to the Government that which we have been given freely,” The minister said.

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