By Smile Hamilton, Malawi
The Ministry of Agriculture in Malawi has announced that suppliers for this year’s Affordable Input Program (AIP) will be paid in kwacha, a move aimed at avoiding foreign exchange challenges that have previously hindered the program.
This development was shared during a press briefing in Lilongwe, where Minister of Information, Moses Kunkuyu and Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale provided updates on the government’s preparations for AIP.
According to Minister Kawale, 1,054,945 beneficiaries will purchase UREA and NPK fertilizer at a subsidized price of 15,000 kwacha per bag.
To ensure seamless distribution, 11 companies have been contracted to supply seeds, while 77 companies with 1,500 registered trucks are prepared to transport the inputs.
To promote transparency, beneficiaries can dial *4331# to check their eligibility for the program. Additionally, 6,500 beneficiaries will receive two goats as part of the initiative, further supporting agricultural development.
In terms of program requirements, Malawi currently has 39,354 metric tons of fertiliser under collateral management, with a total of over 400,000 metric tons needed nationwide.
For AIP specifically, 104,845 metric tons are required. To ensure the program’s success, the Ministry of Agriculture has allocated 161 billion kwacha.
This strategic move is expected to enhance the effectiveness of the Affordable Input Program, supporting Malawi’s agricultural sector and promoting food security.
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