GOV’T FLAGS OFF WETLAND CROPPING INPUTS NATIONWIDE

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Posted by admin on June 25, 2026 at 7:09 AM

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Government, through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, has officially flagged off the distribution of farming inputs under the Food Security Pack (FSP) Wetland Cropping Component across all 116 districts of Zambia.

Speaking at the ceremony, Permanent Secretary Beatrice Chilomo reaffirmed Government’s commitment to improving livelihoods of vulnerable but viable households through targeted social protection and economic empowerment programmes.

She explained that the FSP goes beyond input provision by offering livelihood skills training and agricultural extension services to enhance productivity and self-sufficiency.

“The goal is to transition beneficiary households from vulnerability to self-reliance by enabling them to produce sufficient food for household consumption and generate surplus produce for sale,” Ms. Chilomo said.

The Wetland Cropping Component, scaled up from 40,000 to 120,000 households in 2026, is part of the Presidential Irrigation Initiative, promoting climate-resilient and year-round agricultural production. Beneficiaries will cultivate during the dry season using water resources such as dambos, rivers, streams, and wetlands.

Ms. Chilomo emphasized that the intervention is critical in mitigating climate change impacts like erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells, and droughts. She urged beneficiaries to use inputs responsibly, noting they represent Government’s investment in building stronger, more resilient communities.

Meanwhile, Chief Liteta commended Government for enhancing implementation of the Wetland Cropping Component, highlighting the Momboshi Dam as a strategic resource for his chiefdom’s participation.