27 Sep 2023

A total of 74 farmers (58 males and 18 females) have applied for the Accelerator Subsidy Impact scheme in Tonota District since its inception in 2022.

The programme is meant to assist farmers improve their agricultural productivity through up to and 50 per cent subsidy of the cost of agricultural inputs, such as seeds, fertiliser, pesticides, irrigation equipment, and power or solar power connection.

Tonota District’s Acting Crop Production Officer, Ms Eunice Mooko, told BOPA that out of the 74 applicants, 40 (13 females and 27 males) were successful.

She said it was encouraging to see more farmers getting interested in the programme as seen by the number of people who continue to apply on yearly basis.

“The programme is designed to help farmers become more productive and self-sufficient, as well as to promote food security and rural development. 

The IAS has been credited with improving crop yields, reducing poverty, and improving the lives of small-scale farmers,” she added.

With the programme, Tonota District is expected to increase its food production and reduce the risk of food shortage in the area. ENDS