EXPANDING FISP

FARMERS in Chongwe are raising a critical concern that reflects a broader, often overlooked issue in the nation’s agricultural policy, the overemphasis on maize production under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP). 

The calls from farmers like Ms. Theresa Chewe and Mavis Chikumbi to diversify support for other nutritious crops such as cassava, sweet potatoes, and indigenous maize varieties are not just reasonable but essential for building a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system.

Their concerns deserve to be taken seriously, and urgent reforms to FISP should be considered to meet the evolving needs of the farming community.

At present, FISP’s near-exclusive focus on maize has created a one-dimensional agricultural landscape where farmers are incentivised to grow a single crop, despite the risks and limitations associated with such narrow production.

As Ms. Chewe aptly pointed out, the lack of a guaranteed market for alternative crops, like cassava and sweet potatoes, discourages farmers from diversifying.

Without a reliable off-taker, many farmers are left with no choice but to continue growing maize, regardless of its declining profitability or vulnerability to climate shocks.

This creates a cycle where food insecurity is perpetuated, rather than mitigated, and soil health suffers from over-reliance on a single crop.

The suggestion to link FISP with the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to buy other crops is a pragmatic and vital step toward fostering a more diverse agricultural economy.

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If FRA were to create a market for crops like cassava and sweet potatoes, it would not only enhance food security but also support farmers in accessing stable, remunerative markets. 

This would incentivise them to grow more nutrient-dense crops, thus contributing to a healthier population.

Furthermore, expanding markets to include international buyers could help boost the country’s agricultural exports, generating much-needed foreign exchange and opening new avenues for rural development.

The call for greater access to indigenous seeds, such as Gankata maize, also deserves urgent attention.

Local seed varieties have demonstrated resilience in the face of climate variability, unlike many hybrid seeds, which have struggled under increasingly erratic weather patterns.

As Ms. Chikumbi noted, hybrid seeds have led to poor yields in certain regions due to changing climate conditions. Indigenous seeds, on the other hand, have adapted over generations and are better suited to the local environment.

By including indigenous varieties in FISP packages, the government would not only empower farmers to grow more reliably but also preserve the genetic diversity that is crucial for long-term food security.

Moreover, the proposed amendments to the Plant Breeders’ Rights Bill must not restrict farmers’ ability to produce and share seeds for nutritious crops.

Laws that limit access to diverse seed varieties would undermine farmers’ independence and deepen their reliance on expensive, commercially bred hybrids. 

This is particularly detrimental to small-scale farmers, who are already struggling with the rising costs of inputs.

The government must heed the concerns of Chongwe farmers and reform FISP to promote crop diversification. 

Supporting a broader range of crops, including indigenous varieties, would help mitigate the risks posed by climate change, improve food security, and foster a more resilient agricultural economy.

It is time to create a truly sustainable and inclusive farming policy, one that values both nutrition and local agricultural knowledge.