Coupons for Farm Input Subsidy Programme finally arrives in Malawi

Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development George Chaponda on Sunday announced that the much awaited Farm Input Subsidy Programme (Fisp) coupons arrived in Malawi on Sunday from the printers.

Speaking at Masintha ground where President Peter Mutharika was addressing the political rally, Chaponda assured farmers not to panick, saying coupon distribution exercise will start immediately.

“We are sure that by December, all beneficiaries will have received their coupons,” said Chaponda.

Commenting on hunger in the country, Chaponda assured Malawians that no one will die of hunger saying ADMARC has enough stock in their warehouses.

“We have bought enough maize that no one will die of hunger,” said Chaponda.

Initially, government announced that Fisp coupons would be ready on October 15, but later pushed the deadline to end of October, citing a change in printer agents.

This is the first year since the inception of the programme in 2005 that government has decided to let it be run by private sector. About 60 percent of the programme which translates to 54 000 tonnes will be retailed by the private sector.

On the other hand, 36 000 tonnes will be redeemed through State agencies, Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) and Smallholder Farmers Fertiliser Revolving Fund of Malawi (SFFRFM).

There are 27 companies contracted to participate in the retailing of the 54 000 tonnes.