By Mphatso M’bang’ombe:
Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu has described National Economic Empowerment Fund (Neef)’s farm input loans as a game-changing initiative.
He said the initiative had the potential to enable smallholder farmers to become self-reliant and key contributors to the country’s food basket.
Kunkuyu said this during the launch of the fertiliser loan distribution exercise in Dowa District Tuesday.
“These loans are not just a form of financial assistance; they are a pathway for smallholder farmers to realise their full potential and contribute significantly to our economy. The initiative will enable the country to generate more forex while increasing food production nationwide.
“By empowering our farmers, we are setting the stage for greater agricultural output, which is critical for sustaining our economy and ensuring food security for all Malawians,” Kunkuyu said.
On his part, Neef Board Chairperson Jephta Mtema said they were committed to supporting the country’s farmers in their endeavours.
“Our aim is to support over 400,000 farmers through our fertiliser loan programme. We are committed to distributing more than 40,000 bags of fertiliser across the country, ensuring that our farmers have the resources they need to succeed,” Mtema said.
He added that Neef was expected to disburse K150 billion for the 2024-25 farming season.
On his part, Senior Chief Dzoole commended President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration for adopting an inclusive approach to lending resources.
“What sets this initiative apart is Neef’s commitment to providing loans without bias or discrimination. This will truly empower our farmers and strengthen the foundation of our agricultural sector,” Dzoole said.
