Nkhotakota Central Member of Parliament, Sylvester Ayuba James, has strongly condemned alleged acts of corruption in the redemption process of the Farm Input Subsidy Program (FISP) in the district, describing the malpractice as unacceptable and harmful to vulnerable farmers.
Ayuba said the alleged irregularities undermine the purpose of the program, which is meant to support poor and vulnerable households.
He stressed that such actions dehumanize beneficiaries who genuinely depend on the subsidized farm inputs.
“The whole system is messed up. It shows that politicians and other top officials have been enjoying the subsidized program in the country, he said
The parliamentarian further alleged that some officials involved in the fertilizer redemption process are engaging in dubious practices, an indication that the problem requires urgent intervention.
He has since written to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), calling for investigations so that those involved can be brought to book.
I believe this system needs to be sanitized accordingly for it to fully benefit those that are vulnerable, imagine about 100 plus bags in my constituency are missing without traces ‘’Ayuba explains
Ayuba emphasized his commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the distribution of farm inputs, adding that he will personally supervise the process to restore public trust.
One of the FISP beneficiaries, Lubiya Issah from Chunga Two Village, commended the lawmaker for taking a firm stand.
Issah alleged that in most cases, officials stationed at depots are the ones encouraging corrupt practices.
“Before the intervention of the Member of Parliament, we used to struggle to purchase fertilizer due to the involvement of multiple vendors and authorities who could redeem fertilizer from areas we were not aware of.
“However, the Member of Parliament is now overseeing the entire process, which is a significant improvement, as it has brought order and transparency,’’ she said.
A total of 31,483 farmers are expected to benefit from the Farm Input Subsidy Program in Nkhotakota District.
