FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16TH DECEMBER, 2025

Muchinga Province is pleased to announce significant strides in the implementation of the 2025/26 Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) E-Voucher System. The programme continues to empower small-scale farmers, ensuring timely access to agricultural inputs for the current farming season.

Muchinga Province has recorded an impressive 89.24% redemption rate, with 58,141 farmers having successfully collected their farming inputs. This is a clear indication of the programme’s effective rollout and strong uptake by the farming community in the province. The total number of targeted beneficiaries for the province stands at 65,153.

A total of 63,648 farmers in Muchinga have been uploaded onto the system with e-voucher funds. Of these:

· 36,813 farmers (57.84% of uploaded farmers) made their contributions through Direct Deposits, amounting to ZMW 14,725,200.
· 26,354 farmers (41.41% of uploaded farmers) qualified for and utilized the FRA (Food Reserve Agency) deposit deduction facility, amounting to ZMW 10,541,600.
· The total farmer contribution mobilized in the province is ZMW 25,266,800, demonstrating substantial commitment from our farmers towards co-financing their agricultural productivity.

The province has successfully verified a vast majority of its beneficiaries:

· Out of the 65,153 farmers targeted for the season, 63,791 farmers have been positively verified using electronic Know-Your-Customer technology, achieving a 97.91% verification rate.
· However, the number of farmers who met the specific FRA maize sales (bonding) requirement is 27,126, which represents 41.63% of the total provincial target. This figure determines eligibility for the convenient FRA deduction option.

We are highly encouraged by the proactive response from our farmers in Muchinga Province. The high redemption rate, close to 90%, signifies that inputs are moving from warehouses to farms, which is the core objective of FISP. While we celebrate this achievement, we are intensifying efforts through our District Agricultural Coordinators to ensure the remaining farmers redeem their inputs before the critical planting window closes. Our focus remains on supporting every eligible farmer to contribute to our provincial and national food security.

We urge the 6,707 farmers in Muchinga Province who have been uploaded with funds but have not yet redeemed their inputs to visit their designated and approved agro-dealers as a matter of urgency. District offices are on standby to assist any farmer facing challenges with the e-voucher redemption process.

Government remains committed to a transparent and efficient FISP. We continue to monitor the registration and accreditation of input suppliers to ensure adequate service coverage across all districts. Our goal is a 100% redemption rate to guarantee no farmer is left behind.

Issued by:
(original copy signed)
Ruth Mumba
Principal Public Relations Officer
MUCHINGA PROVINCE