More problems hit Chakwera’s flagship project AIP as half suppliers chicken out

President Lazarus Chakwera’s signature project, the Affordable Inputs Program (AIP) is likely to flop as almost half the number of suppliers contracted for distribution of the farm inputs have failed to meet their contractual obligations.

This was revealed on Thursday when the parliamentary committee on Agriculture visited Farmers Fertilizer Revolving Fund of Malawi.

The programme is experiencing numerous challenges as beneficiaries are spending nights at selling points due to network glitches.

On Thursday, the committee made a surprise visit to Smallholder Farmers Fertilizer Revolving Fund of Malawi – SFFRFM in Kanengo.

Sameer Suleman, Parliamentary committee chairperson said it is worrisome that currently, some suppliers are pulling out from the program.

He said, this should be a learning process for government to plan well in the next program.

“It is sad that the suppliers have decided to disappoint Malawians at this point of time when rains are already here, this should be a lesson to government, in the next program vet the capacity of the suppliers you give contracts to,” said Suleman.

Meanwhile, Erica Maganga, Principal Secretary in the ministry of Agriculture has said the ministry is engaging suppliers who have failed to deliver to map the way forward.

On his part, Dr Andy Kalinde, Smallholder Farmers Fertilizer Revolving Fund of Malawi chief executive officer has conceded that they are facing transport challenges to take the fertilizer to selling points.