(ZNBC) Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo has reiterated his call for farmers countrywide to pay the 400 Kwacha to redeem their inputs under the Farmers Input Support Program -FISP.
Mr Mtolo says inputs have been delivered to most parts of the country and farmers should be able to access them.
He says the ministry is doing everything possible to ensure farmers access the inputs without delay.
Mr Mtolo has urged farmers in Eastern Province not to rush to plant their crops but wait to be guided by the Zambia Meteorological Department as the rains have not yet been sufficient.
The Minister said this during the budget symposium held in Chipata last night.
And Mr Mtolo further said Government will soon change the FISP program to incorporate other tree crops and agriculture activities.
He also noted that his ministry is working at ensuring that the country increases production of fertilizer locally as opposed to depending on importing the commodity .
Mr Mtolo said currently United Capital Fertiliser is producing fertiliser and will distribute to four provinces.
He expressed hope that other companies will join the sector so that there is competition on the market which will lead to reduced prices.