Malawi Govt put measures to curb malpractices in fertiliser subsidy program
Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security authorities are assuring Malawians that they will vigilantly be monitoring the 2012/2013 Farm Input Subsidy Program (FISP) activities in a bid root out all forms of malpractices that characterize the exercise.
The move also seeks ensure the smooth running of the program in order to benefit the intended beneficiaries.
The exercise has previously been dogged by corrupt practices ranging from government officials down to traditional leaders.
Making an assurance, the ministry’s public relations officer, Sarah Tione says in the statement made available to Nyasa Times that this year, all names of beneficiaries will be posted a week before coupon distribution at various points .
These include District Commissioners and Agricultural Offices, E.P.A, section, selling points and chiefs’ places.
“At the same time all transporters will be monitored to ensure fertilizer is delivered at the right destination,” reads the statement.
It also says the government will introduce a toll free number where any alleged forms of corruption can be reported.
According to the statement the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has finalized the evaluation of FISP fertilizer bids that was opened 16th August, 2012.
“Out of the 47 bids that were submitted, 27 companies concerned have been awarded contracts. Total fertilizer contracts awarded amounts to 120,000 Metric tones, which is valued at MK 27 billion.”
The statement says prior assessment indicate that almost 65 percent of the required fertilizer is already available in the country giving an assurance that that beneficiaries will access fertilizer before the onset of the first rains.
However many people in the country have been expressing concern with the government move to reduce the number of beneficiaries of the program.
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