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Agriculture Minister, Reuben Phiri, has urged agro-dealers nationwide to uphold professionalism, transparency, and integrity as Government commences the implementation of the 2025/2026 Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) under a fully operational e-voucher system.
Speaking during a meeting with agro-dealers in Lusaka on Thursday, Phiri said the shift to a private-sector-driven model presents significant opportunities for growth but equally demands discipline to prevent malpractice.
“This programme is exceptionally good for you as businesspersons, but it also creates anxieties for us as Government. We expect professionalism in every step, because any malpractice such as discounting vouchers or fraudulent dealings will lead to the immediate termination of business relations,” he cautioned.
He stressed that agro-dealers must clearly indicate their operational coverage across provinces, districts, and constituencies to guarantee equitable access to inputs.
He added that pricing, product quality, and service delivery will be key competitive factors under the e-voucher system, as farmers would make choices based on affordability, reliability, and trust in suppliers.
Assuring stakeholders of timely government support, Phiri confirmed that all outstanding payments from the previous farming season had been cleared. Going forward, he said, disbursements will be made fortnightly to strengthen agro-dealer operations.
“I am happy to announce that all agro-dealers have been paid. We will no longer allow delays that spill into the next financial year. Submit your claims every two weeks and you will be paid every two weeks,” he said.
The Minister also encouraged large suppliers to formalise relationships with smaller dealers through contracts to prevent financial disputes, adding that Government is ready to facilitate escrow and stop-order systems to safeguard partnerships.
However, he warned that government would not hesitate to revert to bulk procurement if the private sector fails to deliver.
“Please, colleagues, don’t force Government to go back to bulk purchases. This is your chance to prove that the private sector can supply agricultural inputs just as it has done with sugar, salt, and milk,” he said.
Phiri further urged agro-dealers to diversify their product range beyond seed and fertiliser to include irrigation equipment, aquaculture inputs, and livestock products, in line with the country’s broader agenda of agricultural transformation and food security.
“The President has made it clear that we must move away from seasonal planting and embrace irrigation so that farmers can plant year-round. Agro-dealers should position themselves to support this transformation,” he added.
The Ministry of Agriculture reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure the 2025/2026 farming season contributes meaningfully to national food security and economic growth.
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