Minister of Defence Chimwemwe Chipungu says the introduction of Nano liquid fertiliser has the potential to significantly enhance Malawi’s food security, including when integrated into the Farm Inputs Subsidy Programme (FISP).

Chipungu made the remarks on Sunday in Luchenza Municipality, Thyolo District, during the launch of the K40 million NanoGro Food Security Project and the distribution of free fertiliser to 250 farmers.

He said the fertiliser is user-friendly, affordable and suitable for smallholder farmers, particularly those in rural areas.

“This Nano fertiliser is easy to apply and cost-effective, making it ideal for our farmers. If adopted widely, including under FISP, it can help the country address persistent food insecurity,” said Chipungu.

The project is being implemented through a partnership between the Smallholder Farmers Fertiliser Revolving Fund of Malawi (SFFRFM) and IFFCO Adventure Resources Limited, the manufacturer of the Nano fertiliser. 

SFFRFM Head of Marketing, Allie Chiwoko, said the fertiliser has undergone all required certification processes and has been approved by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Technology Release Committee.

“We want to assure farmers that this fertiliser is safe and effective. It has been thoroughly tested and certified by the relevant authorities before being released to the market,” said Chiwoko.

IFFCO Adventure Resources Limited Country Director, Yashvender Singh, also echoed the assurance, saying the product is designed to improve crop yields while reducing fertiliser application costs.

Meanwhile, Village Headman Duwaduwa of the area welcomed the initiative, noting that the donation will benefit farmers who are not enrolled in FISP.

He said, “Many farmers who are not on FISP struggle to access fertiliser. This support will help them increase production and improve their livelihoods,” he said.

The NanoGro Food Security Project aims to complement government efforts to achieve national food security by promoting innovative and efficient agricultural inputs.