By Isaac Salima:
President Lazarus Chakwera Monday launched this year’s Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) with a message to Malawians against selfishness.
Speaking during the launch at Dzundu Primary School in Zalewa, Neno District, the President called on people to share opportunities with others.
“This programme is for smallholder farmers who have the potential to farm, allowing them to access affordable fertilisers.
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“Let us love one another by sharing opportunities without being greedy. If you are among the beneficiaries of AIP, let others benefit from other social support programmes,” he said.
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The President also stated that the government is committed to supporting its citizens in every possible manner.
“AIP is not for everyone, but for those smallholder farmers who can manage to farm. Those of you with potential in other areas will also be assisted because not everyone can benefit. It is not right to waste fertilisers by giving them to non-productive farmers,” Chakwera said.
The President assured the public that the government will ensure that everyone in need receives support.
He added that those that have not been included to benefit from this year’s AIP, should not be misled into thinking that government has forsaken them.
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“We have other programmes in store for you. If you have managed to obtain loans from the National Economic Empowerment Fund, nobody should claim that Chakwera has not done anything for you.
“If you have benefited from the Agriculture Commercialisation project, none should say that Chakwera has not done anything for you.
“If you know that you have now moved into a new house that my government is constructing, nobody should tell you that we have not done anything for you,” Chakwera said.
The President then warned against favouritism when identifying beneficiaries for AIP.
“Those of you entrusted to run it must not indulge in dubious activities. Do not steal these items. To beneficiaries, do not sell the fertilisers but use them appropriately so that next year you are not hit by hunger,” Chakwera said.
Farmers Union of Malawi President Maness Nkhata commended the President for considering farmers.
“Farmers have been in despair following the increase in fertiliser prices. But through this initiative, we are assured of a good harvest,” Nkhata said.
Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale said everything is in place for this year’s AIP, as the ministry has contracted 77 transporters to deliver the inputs to various selling points across the country.
Kawale explained that each constituency will have two selling points, with each point featuring mobile satellite depots throughout the constituency.
“Regarding network connectivity, we are working with Escom to ensure that fibre is functioning properly so that the programme does not encounter challenges during implementation,” Kawale said.
He added that the government, in collaboration with other partners, has mobilised over K1 trillion for agricultural development.
Kawale said the government views AIP as a first step towards establishing mega farms, where it expects people who receive two bags to multiply their yield using manure, facilitating their transition from AIP to mega farms.
About 1.1 million farmers are expected to benefit from the programme.
