FISP farmers with redemption codes advised to redeem their inputs

By MULENGA MOYO

THE Ministry of Agriculture has urged farmers who have received redemption codes under the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP) to redeem their inputs as soon as possible to allow them to prepare adequately for the 2026/2027 farming season.

Balewa Zyuulu, the Principal Public Relations Officer says the Ministry is implementing a fully electronic voucher system under which farmers are receiving redemption codes, which they use to access inputs of their choice from government-accredited agro-dealers.

Mr Zyuulu said the electronic voucher system had improved efficiency in the distribution of farming inputs and curtailed fraudulency and cheating.

“The programme started in August this year compared to October last year. It implementation has demonstrated improvements in the implementation of the programme. Government describes this as positive results from its policies,” Mr Zyuulu said.

Mr. Zyuulu has highlighted that the number of farmers who have received redemption codes is higher than those who have redeemed their inputs, suggesting that some beneficiaries are delaying the process.

He has encouraged farmers to redeem their codes immediately after receiving them to avoid delays in preparing for the farming season

Mr. Zyuulu has also urged farmers to seek guidance from agricultural extension officers stationed in farming camps on the appropriate seed varieties to select in view of the anticipated El Niño conditions.

“Farmers in the southern half of the country, where rainfall is expected to be erratic, are encouraged to consider early-maturing varieties, while those in areas expected to receive more rainfall may opt for medium- or late-maturing varieties, depending on local conditions,” He said.

Mr. Zyuulu said the early rollout of the e-voucher programme was intended to give farmers sufficient time to access inputs and prepare for the season.

“The programme would be completed much sooner if all beneficiaries redeemed their codes on time. Farmers are encouraged to act early and seek professional advice to ensure they select inputs suited to their respective areas,” he said.