Chipata, April, 2025 – GOVERNMENT has announced that the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) will in the coming season be fully migrated to the electronic voucher (e-voucher) system in all 116 districts.
This marks a major milestone in the commitment to efficiency, transparency, and private sector-driven growth in agricultural input distribution.
Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo said over the past season, the Country has seen the benefits of the system in the 74 districts where it was implemented, and now, Government was ready to extend the benefits nationwide.
He said through the robust electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) verification system successfully verified 1,024,434 beneficiaries and removed over 212,851 ineligible individuals.
Mtolo Phiri, Minister of Agriculture
He said this ensures that only genuine farmers benefit from the programme.
Mr. Mtolo said he was proud to report that 99 percent of e-voucher beneficiaries redeemed their inputs by November 2024, ahead of the rainy season.
He said by February 3, 2025, 100 percent of all beneficiaries had received their inputs—a testament to the efficiency of the system.
Mr. Mtolo said with 631 agro-dealers participating and over 5,000 jobs created, the e-voucher system has boosted private sector involvement, strengthened competition, and reduced fertilizer costs by K440 per pack compared to the previous system.
He said this means better value for the farmers.
He said the registration for agro-dealers for the 2025/2026 season was now open.
“I encourage all agro-dealers to engage with the Ministry of Agriculture for more details,” the minister said.
He extended his gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema for his leadership, as well as the Government agencies, cooperating partners, financial institutions, mobile network providers, agro-dealers and farmers for their dedication to strengthening Zambia’s agricultural sector.
“Together, we are building a more efficient, transparent, and productive agricultural system that will drive food security and economic growth for our country,” he said.