Malawi govt increase value of FISP coupon up to 100 percent

Malawi government  has increased the value of coupons for maize seed from K3 000 to K6 000 to allow farmers to have good yields

Minister of Agriculture, Joseph Mwanamveka, said during the launch of this year’s  Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP) programme that the rise was a “directive” from President Peter Mutharika.

Government will subsidise NPK and Urea fertilisers per 50 kilogramme (kg) bag for K15 000 and 5kg maize seed for K6000, 2kg sorghum for K6 000 and 2 kg legume seed for K2 050.

He said the programme is expecting to reach out to 900 000 families in the 2017 to 2018 agriculture year.

According to him, government has intensified security measures regarding the implementation of the programme.

“Should we find someone engaged in a malpractice regarding FISP we will make sure they are dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said.

He said Fisp has been a success as it has enabled farmers who could not afford fertilisers and seeds to buy and have enough food in their households.