Malawi government through the Ministry of Agriculture has announced that this year farmers will pay K3500 for a 50 kilogram bag of fertilizer under the farm input subsidy program, a rise from K500 which has been in place for the past decade.

This was disclosed by the Minister responsible Dr Allan Chiyembekeza at a press briefing in Lilongwe.
“During this year`s program, beneficiaries will be contributing 3500 each for Urea and NPK a total of K7000 for two types of fertilizers and K1000 for maize seeds and K500 for legumes making the total amount contributed by farmers at K8500,” said Chiyembekeza.

He said as part of the reforms towards the program Government is gradually involving the private sector in distributing the subsidies to an extent that eight selected districts will enjoy a direct distribution and retailing of 30,000 metric tons by the private sector.

“The remaining 12,000 metric tons will be retailed through SFFRFM and Admarc in 20 districts,” he added.
However some people on social media described the raise as unfair saying it was not done in consideration of people who earn very little in the rural areas.

“There are people who struggle even to get money for matches and salt. How do you expect them to afford that entire amount?” quizzed Luke Chimwaza, Radio Maria Malawi news editor.

However, speaking to MBC, a lecturer in political philosophy from the Blantyre International University Francis Bisika described the price adjustment as long overdue.

“Malawi has so many subsidies that end up choking the economy from Health to Agriculture sector to an extent that Malawians are competing based on their vulnerability level,” said Bisika.

He therefore recommended for a gradual exit from the Fertilizer Subsidy program if the country is to move forward.

Meanwhile the Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET) has applauded government for the move calling it a move in the right direction.

“This is a good development because MK500 was just too low; our proposal is to see farmers contributing 30 percent with 70-percent coming from government. This will help farmers to take responsibility for the program,” said Tamani Mkhono executive Director for CISANET.

He however called for a complete takeover of the program by the private sector.

Late President Bingu wa Mutharika introduced the FISP in 2005 to improve national food security and lift the productivity of smallholder farmers after several years of drought.

The scheme is widely seen as successful in achieving both goals, but expensive to maintain