A Civic leader in Choma has expressed worry over delays to distribute top dressing fertilizer in the area.
Sikalongo ward councilor Phanwell Siagwelele said the delay could adversely affect farmers’ efforts to produce a bumper harvest this year.
Mr Siagwelele said farmers from his ward have not yet accessed top dressing fertilizer under the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP).
He told ZANIS in an interview in Choma today that the maize which was planted in November is likely to be affected because it has reached the top dressing fertilizer application level.
Mr Siagwelele added that farmers were desperate for the fertilizer because they have no extra money to buy the commodity at exorbitant prices on the open market .
He said the price of fertilizer at the market is currently ranging between K180,000 and K210,000 per bag respectively adding that it is too much for farmers hence the need for the ministry of Agriculture to come to the aid of farmers.
“Farmers depend much on the fertilizer government is giving them under the FISP so in a situation where the fertilizer is delayed, it is a disaster,” he said.
The civic leader said the FISP programme started on a very good note adding that there is need for quick intervention before the situation gets out of hand.
“Unless urgent measures are taken to correct the situation, the farmer’s crops will be destroyed due to luck of fertilizer.
ZANIS
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