Ministry of Agriculture Announces FISP Redemptions and Maize Sale Contributions
The Ministry of Agriculture has announced that the redemption of farming inputs under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) for the 2025/2026 season will officially commence on Monday, 25th August 2025.
In a statement issued by Balewa Zyuulu, Principal Public Relations Officer, the Ministry highlighted that the programme will introduce an electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) system in collaboration with all three mobile network operators.
The digital system aims to verify beneficiaries, ensuring that only eligible farmers access FISP inputs and facilitating accurate processing of agricultural insurance and payments. Farmers are urged to use their active mobile numbers registered under their National Registration Cards (NRCs) and linked to mobile money wallets.
The Ministry also reminded farmers who have sold at least 10 bags of 50 kg white maize or 7 bags of 40 kg paddy rice to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) but have not received payment, that a K400 deduction will be applied as a farmer contribution for the 2025/2026 season.
For those already paid in full, Authority to Deposit (ATD) notifications will guide the deposit of the K400 into FISP accounts. Newly onboarded farmers are required to deposit the contribution upon receiving their ATD notifications.
The Ministry stressed that the measures are intended to streamline farmer contributions, enhance programme efficiency, and minimise additional costs, while ensuring that beneficiaries receive inputs on time. Farmers are strongly advised to:
- Apply inputs only on their own fields and not sell seed or fertiliser.
- Redeem e-vouchers solely for farming inputs, not cash.
Any farmer or agro-dealer found violating these guidelines will be deregistered and barred from participating in future government programmes.
The Ministry reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that FISP continues to benefit intended recipients, strengthen national food and nutrition security, and contribute to the broader objectives of Zambia’s agricultural sector.
