Minister Urges Integrity as FISP Goes 100% E-Voucher

Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo has called on agro-dealers to uphold professionalism and integrity as government rolls out the 2025/2026 Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) under a fully implemented e-voucher system.

Speaking during a meeting with input suppliers in Lusaka on Friday, Mr. Mtolo said the programme, which will benefit 1,024,434 farmers nationwide, requires strong commitment from the private sector to ensure its success.

He explained that with the move to a 100 percent e-voucher, the private sector now has greater responsibility to make inputs available in all 10 provinces and 116 districts of the country.

“The transition to a fully private-sector-driven system presents vast opportunities for growth, but it also demands strict discipline. Government will not hesitate to revert to bulk purchases of fertilizer and seed if malpractice persists,” he warned.

The minister stressed the need for fair and competitive pricing, urging dealers to avoid inflating costs, and emphasized that fake inputs will not be tolerated. He said any supplier found wanting would face consequences.
Mr. Mtolo further stated that under the e-voucher system, farmers will make choices based on affordability, reliability, and trust in input suppliers.

He also assured agro-dealers that government remains committed to timely payments, noting that all outstanding arrears from the previous season have been cleared.

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