ABOUT 2,000 bags of fertiliser under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) distributed by Omnia Fertiliser have gone missing in Chadiza District.

Eastern Province agricultural coordinator, Obvious Kabinda confirmed in Chipata yesterday that 1,498 bags of urea and more than 400 bags of D-compound fertiliser meant for small-scale farmers had gone missing.

Dr Kabinda said police have arrested two suspects who were working for Omnia Fertiliser.

"Almost 2,000 bags of fertiliser in Chadiza District are suspected to have gone missing after two people allegedly stole them. Two suspects were picked up by police and are expected to appear in court today," he said.

He said his office had also received a number of complaints from farmers who had been given underweight fertiliser in the district.

He said if there was any company that was giving underweight fertiliser to farmers, it would be asked to repay the farmers.

Eastern Province police chief Grace Chipalila could not comment on the matter by Press time.