By Gift Chiponde

Lilongwe, January 3, Mana: Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu, has stated that President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera's administration is committed to ensure that National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) fertilizer loan programme is reaching the intended beneficiaries across the country.

Kunkuyu made these remarks during the launch of the NEEF loan fertilizer distribution at Lobi Trading Centre in the area of Senior Chief Kachere in Dedza District.

He emphasized that President Chakwera will ensure that farmers receive what they are promised so they can fully benefit from the initiative.

The minister noted that the programme will stimulate growth in the agriculture sector, which is likely to improve the country’s foreign exchange reserves when agricultural commodities are sold on the international market.

"You are the ones feeding the country, and you need to be fully empowered. We want to see you driving cars buying from the profits that you accumulate from this initiative," Kunkuyu said.

He commended local chiefs for encouraging their communities to avoid reliance on free handouts and to embrace hard work, which is essential for enhancing agricultural growth in the area.

NEEF Board Chairperson Jefta Mtemwa indicated that the programme was launched in 2024 with an initial budget of K25 billion, benefiting 11,500 farmers.

He said government has allocated K150 billion, targeting 400,000 farmers in 2025.

Mtemwa said this aligns with the President's vision to revitalize and transform agriculture, aiming to make Malawi a food-secure nation.

Mtemwa assured the beneficiaries that NEEF is working diligently to assist all applicants for loans, especially as the country is currently experiencing good rainfall.

Member of Parliament for Dedza South West Constituency, Clement Mlombwa, described the development as a testament to the government’s promises and commitment to promote self-reliance among the citizens.

Mlombwa expressed optimism that the programme would help to eradicate hunger in Dedza, as most farmers depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.

He highlighted the importance of Lobi as a key agricultural production area and stressed the need for people in the district to benefit from the NEEF programme.

Additionally, Member of Parliament for Dedza Dzalanyama, Philipo Chinkhondo, praised NEEF for its initiative, stating that it would revitalize agriculture in his constituency.

He emphasized that the programme is not politically affiliated and that NEEF is distributing fertilizer regardless of political affiliations, unlike previous governments.

Chinkhondo urged communities benefiting from the initiative not to sell the fertilizer and encouraged chiefs and councilors to actively participate in implementing the programme to help combat hunger challenges.

In his remarks, Group Village Headman Lobi expressed gratitude for the initiative, stating it will significantly benefit farmers in the area.

He urged farmers to resist the temptation of engaging with vendors to maximize their production.

Nicolas Pemba, a beneficiary representing Uli Kuti Club, also commended the government for the positive progress of the programme.

He urged fellow beneficiaries to repay their loans on time to sustain the initiative and continue benefiting others in the future.

Pemba stressed the importance of using the fertilizer as intended to secure food for all.