By Dalitso Kampira
About 33,804 Thyolo farmers are set to benefit from this year's 2024/2025 Affordable Inputs Program (AIP) following the Presidential Launch on Monday in Neno district.
We briefed them the guidelines - Kafuwa PIC Dalitso Kampira
Speaking during the full Council meeting on Thursday, Chairperson for Agriculture Service Committee in Thyolo district, Councillor George Matiya expressed satisfaction with the launch of the program saying it will boost the agricultural productivity in the district.
"The program will boost productivity as 33, 804 beneficiaries who have land have been targeted by the program," he said.
He then urged those farmers who are not among the beneficiaries that the government has set other altenatives to help them too.
"During the opening of this year's AIP President emphasized that those who are not benefiting this year have no need to worry as they have programs like Mtukula pakhomo, Climate smart and One Acre fund.
He said in addition, there are also National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) loans meant for such people.
"If implemented well it will reduce the challenges like Vendors occupying the market, hijacking the system through buying commodities which are supposed to be bought by beneficiaries," he pointed out.
Chief Agriculture Officer for Thyolo District Council, Mphatso Mbulukwa Kafuwa, said the guidelines for the implementation of 2024/2025 AIP is crucial.
"We were here to inform them on the significance of the following AIP procedures. We have elaborated to them the number of beneficiaries per EPA, per T/A and also their roles as local leaders in making sure that this years AIP is a success," she Said.
Traditional Authority (T/A) Kapichi, expressed gratitude to the government for the 2024/2025 AIP saying it will help to ensure farmers buy fertiliser and harvest enough to reduce hunger in their respective areas.
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