Businessman bails out farmers on subsidy: Pays K1.3 million
In a bid to contribute to food security and success of Farm Inputs Subsidy Program (Fisp), businessman, Benedicto Chambo has donated K1.3 million to allow farmers in Mangochi North constituency access Fisp seeds for free.
Under Fisp, subsistence farmers are allowed to but farm inputs such as fertilizer and seeds at government’s subsidized price.
About 7, 328 farmers in Mangochi North Constituency, which is under T/A Makanjira are expected to benefit from the free seeds, which include maize and legumes.
Apart from bailing out the Fisp beneficiaries, Chambo who is vying for Parliamentary seat also pledged three tonnes of seeds to those not under Fisp list.
Speaking during one of development rallies held over the weekend, Chambo said his initiative was in line with President Joyce Banda of ending hunger in the country by making farm inputs accessible and affordable to subsistence farmers.
“Makanjira is one of the areas continuously hit by hunger in Mangochi, there is a need of supporting farmers with initiatives that will make them beat the problem,” said Chambo.
Chambo revealed that he had since initiated winter-cropping schemes to help curb food shortage.
“As a short measure, I have put aside over K300,000 to buys maize to assist the most hit families. Will also provide a business start-up cash for the youth, which I feel will empower communities to be able fight hunger and other economic problems at household level “.
Several chiefs in the area told Nyasa Times that there was acute shortage of food in the area, forcing many people to rely on cooked mango on daily basis as Admarc depots are out of supply.
Group Village Headman, Kantembe said: “Whatever the President Joyce Banda is saying on hunger is true. The food situation is currently critical and with Admarc depots almost empty, we urge government to assist immediately before we start losing people because of hunger”.
Chambo who is the ruling Peoples Party (PP) third deputy director of elections, apart from bailing constituents on subsidy program, also supports seed multiplication clubs in the area.
Through the seed multiplication clubs, farmers are given free seed through which they multiply and sell to seed manufacturing companies, thereby improving.
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