4,000 farmers access SAFF loans
By Alice Lubasi
Over 4,000 farmers have accessed the Sustainable Agricultural Financing Facility -SAFF- loans.
Agriculture Minister REUBEN MTOLO says the status underscores the success of the programme, which has empowered and strengthened the agricultural value chain.
Mr. MTOLO says participating Banks have received overwhelming demand for the SAFF loans during the 2024 – 2025 farming season.
In a statement to ZNBC News, The Minister said this reaffirms the farmers’ commitment to advancing Zambia’s agricultural sector and fostering economic growth.
He has urged the beneficiaries to prioritize loan repayment by the end of the crop marketing season to ensure that other farmers can benefit in future cycles.
Meanwhile Chief Lundu of Chama District in Eastern Province has praised the government for the introduction of Sustainable Agriculture Finance Facility (SAFF) loans to small and medium-scale farmers.
Chief Lundu says the facility is important as it will enhance agricultural production.
The traditional leader, however, requested the government to expedite the processes of loan acquisition to allow beneficiaries to adequately prepare for the farming season.
The Chief was speaking when Chama North Member of Parliament, Yotam Mtayachalo, paid a courtesy call on him at his palace.
Meanwhile, Chama District Agricultural Coordinator, Danny Musukwa, has revealed that 593 farmers are on SAFF loans, with 311 farmers awaiting payment.
