over 2,000 vulnerable but viable households in Mpika District have begun receiving their farming inputs for the 2025/2026 season under the Food Security Pack (FSP) program, implemented by the Ministry of Community Development.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Mpika District Commissioner David Siame explained that the FSP is a government initiative designed to enhance household food security and support agricultural development in the region.

Mr Siame said the inputs are meant to bring about household food security across the district and nation at large.

Mr Siame said the distribution of the inputs in Mpika has started with Chibansa Zone where 150 beneficiaries have received the farming inputs so far.

He said the distribution of the farming inputs will be completed within the next coming 7 days.

The DC mentioned that each beneficiary is entitled to receive 2 by 50kg bags of D compound fertilizer, 2 by 50kg bags of urea fertilizer and a 10 kg bag of maize and beans seed.

He has since commended the Government for the early distribution of the farming inputs, saying this will significantly help farmers to plant in good time and record a bumper harvest.

He said this is a clear demonstration that the Government is committed to reduce poverty at household level and district at large.

“Mpika has a good rainfall pattern and fertile soil that our farmers must take advantage of,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mpika District Community Development Officer Deborah Chisanga has urged the farmers not to sell their farming inputs but rather plant so that it will be easier for them to pay back during recoveries.

Mrs Chisanga said the 2,150 beneficiaries of Food Security Pack (FSP) in Mpika District have been selected from 19 Community Welfare Assistance Committees (CWACs).

She pointed out the beneficiaries of the food security pack will only receive the farming input for a period of 3 years.

“Farmers that have received the inputs must count it as a privilege and use the inputs prudently,” she said.

And Friday Singoma, a beneficiary from Chibansa area, thanked the Government for the gesture, saying the inputs will greatly help them to improve their livelihoods.

“We have enough time to prepare our fields and plant the crops,” she said.