— Stop cheating farmers – Col Kaisa.

Stop cheating farmers – Col Kaisa.

Katete, September 18, 2014,  ZANIS—— Government  has warned farm block committees and cooperatives to stop misleading farmers in Katete District.

Area District Commissioner Colonel Peter Kunda Kaisa says it is sad to note that some selfish individuals have been instilling fear in innocent farmers over the Farmer Support Input Program (FISP) in the district.

Colonel Kaisa said his office has received  disturbing reports from Vulamukoko, Keni, Dole and Kagoro farming blocks that some officials were blocking certain farmers  from paying for the Farmer Support Input Program (FISP).

Colonel Kaisa has since disputed that information and warned that those doing so risk been punished by government.

He said government understands the hardships that farmers are going through and is doing everything possible to improve their welfare.

The D. C  urged farmers in the district should ignore any rumors of a deadline to the Farmer Support Input Program (FISP) adding that government will communicate any information pertaining to the program at the right time through the District Agriculture and livestock office.

The District Commissioner said it was evil for anyone to create anxiety among the hard working farmers.

He has urged farmers to concentrate on their business of farming and prepare for the coming season.

He added that this year’s Katete district has recorded an unprecedented bumper harvest which has seen many farmers still selling their produce to date.

He however stated that despite government reaching its purchase target through the Food Reserve Agency government has continued to buy maize from the farmers.

He noted that this is one clear indication of its pro-poor policy’s of ensuring that all citizens are well taken care off.

The District Commissioner however stated that the Food Reserve Agency will continue buying and paying farmers in the district.

He observed that in some areas there have been shortages of empty grain bags that added that the agency is working tirelessly to ensure that all is in place.

He explained that the shortage of the empty grain bags is because of the unprecedented bumper harvest in the district.

Meanwhile Colonel Kaiser said Katete District is in full stock of D-Compound fertilizer with 9000 Urea by 50kg bags carried forward from the previous farming season.

He expressed hope that come this years farming season farmers should not worry about inputs as all was been put in place in good time.