By Isaac Salima:
There are concerns that the change of government may affect this year’s farming season, with the planting period fast approaching.
The outgoing administration was still in the process of procuring fertilisers and other farm inputs.
Agriculture experts have called on the incoming government to expedite these processes to avoid disruption.
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Outgoing president Lazarus Chakwera announced that beneficiaries under the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) would start accessing inputs from October 1, which was Tuesday.
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However, officials at the Ministry of Agriculture did not respond to calls or messages yesterday regarding the programme’s progress.
With the new administration now in power, some experts have expressed concern over potential delays in delivering farm inputs.
Agriculture policy expert Leonard Chimwaza urged authorities to fast-track procurement to support farmers.
“The government must ensure that farmers access inputs on time. Any proposals must be implemented without delay,” he said.
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Chimwaza added that there are challenges the new administration might face in continuing procurement processes started by the previous government.
“We have heard little about the progress so far. Once in full control, the incoming government must clarify its direction on AIP as time is not on our side,” he said.
Agriculture commentator Felix Jumbe echoed this concern, saying the farming season is likely to be affected.
“The elections took place in September, just a month before the season begins. Previously, elections were held in May, giving ample time to prepare.
“Now we face fertiliser procurement issues due to forex shortages, and importing fertiliser takes time. The new government must implement a fast-tracking strategy to address these issues,” he said.
Farmers Union of Malawi Chief Executive Officer Jacob Nyirongo has also called on authorities to act swiftly.
The incoming Democratic Progressive Party-led government has remained silent on AIP in its manifesto, instead hinting at reviving the Farm Inputs Subsidy Programme introduced during its previous term.
A total of K131.6 billion was allocated for this year’s AIP.
Last month, Chakwera announced new fertiliser prices for commercial farmers, with a 50-kilogramme bag priced at K90,000.
He confirmed that under AIP, beneficiary farmers would continue paying K15,000 to redeem fertiliser.
