Government has spent over K199 million on agriculture support programmes in Southern Province aimed at boosting productivity and advancing national food security targets.

The funds have been channelled towards the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), irrigation development and mechanisation initiatives from 2022 to date.

Speaking during the first-quarter Provincial Development Coordinating Committee meeting in Choma, Southern Province Permanent Secretary Namani Monze said the investments are central to achieving the country’s maize production ambitions.

Dr Monze said the interventions have benefited 183,735 farmers under FISP across the province.

He highlighted that 36,355 farmers have been trained in smart agriculture practices as part of efforts to promote modern and climate-resilient farming methods.

“This investment is aimed at boosting agricultural productivity key to contributing to the country’s 10 million tonnes maize production target by 2027”, he said.

Dr Monze however raised concern over potential irregularities in beneficiary selection under FISP, Social cash transfer and the implementation of the school feeding programme.

Dr Monze directed agricultural authorities, district commissioners to work with responsible departments to clean up the beneficiary register.