2)–Mongu FISP distribution exercise kicks-off

Mongu FISP distribution exercise kicks-off

Mongu, 26 November, 2014, ZANIS— The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock in Mongu district has started distributing farming inputs under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP)  for the 2014/2015 farming season.

 Mongu District Agricultural Coordinator (DACO) Chabalanga   Ng’ambi told ZANIS in an interview today that 90 percent of the allocated inputs had been paid for and collected by the farmers in various camps.

Mr. Ng’ambi disclosed that among the inputs that were received include 10kg x 250 packs of rice seed  of which 80 percent had been distributed and 10kgs x 500 packs of maize seed where 90 percent has already been given to the farmers.

He said 1,250 packs of D Compound were allocated and only 1,210 had been received while 1,250 Urea was allocated of which only 1, 210 was received.

He further added that 90 percent of farmers have planted their seed although the germination is at 50 percent due to poor rainfall in the district. 

Mr. Ng’ambi noted that there was a low uptake of rice packs which portrays that the district has low demand for rice and yet the crop was suitable for production under the prevailing ecological conditions in Mongu.

He however noted that there was a challenge of transporting the inputs because most of the transporters were not happy with the low transport rates being offered by government.