Neria hailed as Central Province records 99% fertiliser distribution

CENTRAL Province has recorded a 99% success rate with the distribution of fertilizer under the farmer input support programme (FISP).This is out of the 24,928 targeted farmers in Kabwe as well as 48,344 in Serenje district respectively.Kabwe District Commissioner Mr Samuel Lupupa disclosed the development today when Neria’s Investments general Manager Mr Martin Chaikatisha paid a courtesy call at his office.Mr Lupupa reported that the distribution has recorded such a success due to the strict monitoring.“This is unprecedented to have farmers receive fertilizer two months before the start of the planting season” Mr Lupupa said.He thanked President Lungu for his commitment and pledge to empower farmers, more especially the poor ones with farming inputs on time.Mr Lupupa further thanked Neria’s Investments, the company contracted to distribute fertilizer under the FISP for their consistency and commitment in en-suring that they distribute all the farming inputs on time and for being ahead of the distribution exercise.And when he paid a courtesy call on Serenje District Commissioner, Pastor Chunga Musonda, Mr Chaikatisha learnt that the status quo with regards to the FISP distribution in Serenje is as impressive as other areas.Pastor Musonda explained that the distribution has been 99% successful and also thanked President Lungu for the political will exhibited in the agriculture sector which has resulted in farmers accessing farming inputs two months before the rain season.Meanwhile, the Neria’s Investments general expressed happiness that the distribution exercise has been a success story in the province.And Kabamba Chansa who is a farmer in Serenje and a FISP beneficiary described the 2019/20 FISP distribution as one of the best.“It was very difficult for farmers to plan in the past but this year, we received the inputs way ahead of time and we were just waiting for the rainy season which is already here and we have already planted,” Mr Kabamba disclosed when Mr Chaikatisha inspected his farm to check on the field.