Small scale farmers in Eastern province will now have access to grants that will assist them increase the value addition on their crop production.
This follows the introduction of the matching grant facility for Small Scale Agribusiness Promotion SSAP, in the province.
SSAP Programs Manager, Kwibisa Liywalii says that the grant is aimed at supporting activities in the selected priority commodities, activities designed to address deficiencies in the enabling environment for agri-business commodities.
Mr. Liywalii says that the grants will be given to groups of farmers adding that the program is available in four districts of Chipata, Lundazi, Katete and Petauke.
Mr. Liywalii says that some groups of farmers based in districts where the program has not reached can still apply for the grants through the PACO, Provincial Agriculture Coordinators Office.
And Matching Grant Administrator, Gasper Nyampindi says that the program, which will end in 2017 is targeting 30 thousand households countrywide.
Mr. Nyampindi says that the grant is a government program supported by IFAD, the International Fund for International Development.