05/09/2025
PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
AGRO-DEALERS URGED TO UPHOLD INTEGRITY AS ZAMBIA ROLLS OUT 2025/2026 FISP UNDER 100% E-VOUCHER SYSTEM
Lusaka, Friday, 5th September 2025 – Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Reuben Mtolo, MP, has called on agro-dealers across the country to uphold the highest levels of professionalism, transparency, and integrity as Government commences the implementation of the 2025/2026 Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) under a fully operational 100 percent e-voucher system.
Speaking in a meeting with Agro dealers in Lusaka today, the Minister emphasized that the transition to a private-sector-driven system creates unprecedented opportunities for growth in the agricultural sector, but equally demands strict discipline to guard against malpractice.
“This particular endeavour is exceptionally good for you as businesspersons, but it also creates anxieties for us as government. We expect professionalism in every step of the process, because any malpractice such as discounting vouchers or fraudulent dealings will lead to the immediate termination of business relations,” Hon. Mtolo said.
He stressed that the Government expects agro-dealers to clearly indicate their operational coverage in all provinces, districts, and constituencies to ensure equitable access to inputs nationwide.
The Minister further noted that pricing, product quality, and service delivery would be key competitive factors under the e-voucher system, with farmers making choices based on affordability, reliability, and trust in suppliers.
Assuring stakeholders of the Government’s commitment to timely payments, Hon. Mtolo announced that all outstanding payments from the previous season had been cleared, and that henceforth, disbursements would be made on a fortnightly basis to support 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 assured.
Hon. Mtolo also encouraged large suppliers to formalize their relationships with smaller agro-dealers through contracts to prevent financial disputes, adding that the Ministry was ready to facilitate escrow and stop-order systems to safeguard business partnerships.
He cautioned, however, that Government would not hesitate to revert to bulk procurement of inputs if the private sector fails to deliver as expected.
“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,” Hon. Mtolo warned.
The Minister urged agro-dealers to diversify their offerings beyond seed and fertilizer to include irrigation equipment, aquaculture requisites, and livestock products, in line with Zambia’s broader agricultural transformation agenda of achieving food security and diversification.
“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 reiterates its commitment to working with all stakeholders in ensuring that the 2025/2026 farming season contributes significantly to national food security and economic growth.
Issued by:
Balewa Zyuulu
Principal Public Relations Officer
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
