Mtonga orders suspension of three Sinda agro-dealers for swindling farmers
By Staff Reporter
Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet Martin Mtonga has ordered the suspension of three agro-dealers in Sinda district for swindling farmers with immediate effect.
Mtonga said government will not take it lightly where agro-dealers are conniving with cooperative leaders to swindle farmers.
“922,000 farmers countrywide have currently deposited their money in order to access farming inputs under the Farmers Input Support Program (FISP) for the 2018/2019 farming season. One million farmers in the country were targeted this farming season and that the current statistics show that the country national average is at 92 percent,” said Mtonga.
Mtonga added that last year around the same period 450,000 farmers deposited their money to access farming inputs.
He was speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo.
Meanwhile, Kasolo said he would direct police to investigate and arrest the agro-dealers and cooperative leaders in Sinda if found wanting.
“Am urging all farmers in the province to report any agro-dealers or cooperative leaders indulging in corrupt practices to my office,” said Kasolo
