NUSFAZ BACKS GOVT DECISION TO USE E-VOUCHER SYSTEM IN 84 DISTRICTS IN FORTHCOMING FARMING SEASON

The National Union for Small Scale Farmers (NUSFAZ) has expressed support for the government's decision to implement the e-voucher system in 84 districts for the upcoming farming season. The Agriculture Minister, Reuben Mtolo, recently announced that direct input support will be provided to 42 districts, while the e-voucher system will be used in the other 84 districts. In an interview, NUSFAZ Executive Director Ebony Lolozhi stated that the government should consider extending the e-voucher system to the remaining 42 districts. He believes that the e-voucher system allows farmers to choose the inputs they need, unlike the direct input system, which typically provides mainly maize and fertilizer. Mr. Lolozhi emphasized the importance of empowering agro-dealers to stock and supply a wide range of inputs, enabling farmers to have more options. He further highlighted that the properly implemented e-voucher system will provide farmers with access to a variety of inputs such as soybeans, thus contributing to improved agriculture production.