Some farmers in Chinsali district have expressed concern over a named maize seed type supplied under the Farmer Input Support Programme, which is not germinating.
The FISP beneficiary farmers have complained through NAIS in Chinsali that most farmers, who were supplied with the same type of seed, are facing the problem of extremely poor germination.
One of the affected farmers from Kampemba Agricultural Camp Gilbert Chipembele revealed in an interview that he planted the seed in question on his 2 lima field and that the germination is extremely poor.
The farmers have since appealed to the government to quickly come to the aid of farmers and replace the mentioned seed with another type that will germinate.
And Acting Chinsali District Agricultural Coordinator Frank Sindazi said his office has received numerous complaints from the farmers about the named seed brand and its failure to germinate.
Mr. Sindazi disclosed that upon close examination of the seed, it looked weevilled and rotten.
He explained that he has reported the matter to the relevant authority.
