President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA says Government saved 155 million dollars during the procurement of farming inputs for the 2022-2023 farming season.
(ZNBC)-President HICHILEMA says the money was saved by ensuring that the procurement process was corruption free.
He says Government acknowledges and takes full responsibility on the delayed distribution of input to farmers under the Farmer Input Support programme.
President HICHILEMA has explained that the delay was as a result of measures to curb corruption in the procurement process, which he says was common in the past.
He has however assured the country that in 2023, there will be improved and early procurement of farming inputs.
The Head of State said Government is targeting procurement of fertilizer locally by supporting the establishment of more local fertilizer manufacturing companies.
President HICHILEMA said that Government will NOT allow a repeat of delayed distribution of farming inputs in 2023.
He was speaking during the end of year press conference at State House this afternoon.
