Malawi Minister Warns Against Resale of Subsidized Farm Inputs
The program will begin earlier next season, starting in July and August 2025 to allow farmers more preparation time.
ZOMBA, Malawi— Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu warned Tuesday against the resale of government-subsidized farm inputs to vendors, saying the practice threatens food security, writes Peter Davieson.
Speaking at the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) branch in Thondwe during a fertilizer distribution event, Kunkuyu emphasized that the program aims to serve all eligible farmers regardless of political affiliation.
"President Chakwera is not looking at the face of a certain political party but at hunger which everyone experiences everyday," Kunkuyu said.
NEEF CEO Humphrey Mdyetseni reported that Zomba district has received K4 billion in loans, with about K2 billion disbursed in southern Zomba alone.
The program will begin earlier next season, starting in July and August 2025 to allow farmers more preparation time.
The fertilizer distribution initiative targets six southern districts: Blantyre, Thyolo, Mulanje, Phalombe, Chiradzulu and Zomba. Mdyetseni noted Zomba's strong participation in the program.
Senior Chief Mulumbe welcomed the fertilizer loan program, stating that farmers would struggle to acquire fertilizer without NEEF's assistance.