The Ministry of Agriculture has reassured farmers that fertilizer under the 2024/2025 Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) is flowing steadily across the country, easing fears of shortages in the upcoming farming season.

Agriculture Minister Sam Kawale told Zodiak Online that the government has maintained strong reserves from previous years, which are now being dispatched to selling points nationwide.

“We moved away from the practice of procuring fertilizer annually. Large stocks purchased earlier are still being distributed, and this ensures timely access for farmers,” said Kawale.

He added that the number of this year’s beneficiaries will be communicated once final processes are completed.

Agriculture commentator Gresham Kamnyamata commended the government for maintaining steady supply, but cautioned that a stronger delivery framework was needed.

“The AIP needs a robust commodity delivery system that cannot be easily dislodged. That way, farmers are not inconvenienced,” said Kamnyamata.

But Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM) president Mannes Nkhata expressed doubts, saying past assurances from the ministry often failed to translate into smooth implementation.

“Over the years, the minister has often assured Malawians that AIP preparations were on track, only for chaos to ensue during implementation. By this time, more than 60 percent of the fertilizer should have been secured and a list of beneficiaries made public,” said Nkhata.

She added: "We also ask the government to once again open up monitoring of AIP to non-state actors to enhance accountability".

During the 2023/24 farming season, 1.1 million households benefited from the programme — down from 1.5 million the previous year.