THREE traditional leaders in Chadiza District of Eastern Province have expressed happiness that Government distributed farm inputs to over 14,710 farmers before the onset of the rains .Chief Zingalume, Chief Mulolo and Chief Mwangala of the Chewa speaking people have stated that early distribution of inputs is a milestone in alleviating poverty.Speaking when NERIA’S Investments limited General Manager Mr. Martin Chaikatisha paid a courtesy call on Chadiza district commissioner Mr. George Phiri, Chief Zingalune said the early distribution was as a result of the close collaboration the traditional leadership has with the government of the day .He also thanked the Food Reserve Agency for paying farmers on time, as it enabled them to make their contributions towards the farming inputs.“We are happy that fertilizer came at the right time this has happened because of the close collaboration that we have with the government, Government paid our farms on time so they found ample time to pay for their fertilizer. We would also like to that NERIA’S Investments limited for working with government in ensuring that our people are food secure,” said Chief Zingalume.Meanwhile, Chief Mulolo said the district is poised to have a bumper harvest, if the farming season will be coupled with good rainfall.He believes that government through the leadership of President Edgar Lungu will increase the number of inputs allow action to the district following the good relations that have existed between government and stakeholders such as NERIA’S Investments limited.“Farming will go on perfectly if God gives us sufficient rains. Continue working with us because we believe that when we ask the President for another number he will respond promptly, you have compassion may God bless you,” said Chief Mulolo.And Chadiza district Commissioner Mr. George Phiri said that it was important that government maintained its relationship with stakeholders such as Neria’s Investments in enhancing household incomes in the district.“Chadiza district have received their inputs for 2020-2021, we want to see to it that such relationships continue for betterment of putting food on the table but also enhancing income to the households,” said Mr. Phiri .Meanwhile Mr. Chaikatisha expressed delight that the district administration confirmed receipt of the farming inputs.He said the development will make the President happy because he had been emphasizing that farmers should receive their inputs before the onset of the rains.“It’s a momentous occasion to come here and pay a courtesy call to the royal highnesses and your office just to get first-hand information on what transpired in the fertilizer distribution and I am happy that your office has confirmed that fertilizer was distributed early and all the farmers have collected the sheds are empty, they have closed up so it really makes me happy and am sure it will make the President happy because he has been emphasizing that farmers should receive the inputs before the rain season and its actually true,” said Mr. Chaikatisha.He also commended the traditional leadership for encouraging farmers to deposit their FISP contributions on time.
“I would like to thank the Royal Highnesses for encouraging their people to deposit early, the transporters to mobilize so that the inputs are moved in a right direction. I hope that even next year we will work together,” Mr. Chaikatisha reiterated.
