By Mabvuto Kalawa, Correspondent – Malawi Freedom Network
Communities in Nathenje have begun accessing Affordable Input Programme (FISP) fertiliser, bringing smiles to smallholder farmers who had long awaited the fulfilment of this promise.
Today’s activity at the Nathenje selling point demonstrated that former President Arthur Peter Mutharika (APM) does not only make promises, but delivers them, as evidenced by farmers happily lining up to purchase affordable fertiliser.
Many farmers expressed joy and disbelief, stating that they initially doubted whether the fertiliser would truly be sold at the reduced price that the DPP highlighted during the campaign period.
During a visit to the site, this reporter observed a smooth and organised process, with farmers accessing the commodities without the frustrations experienced in previous years.
One of the beneficiaries, Dorica Mateyo from Maye Village in Traditional Authority Chadza, confirmed that she managed to buy two bags of fertiliser at the promised price of K20,000.00 each.
She explained that there were no challenges during the procurement, unlike last year when farmers were often told there was “no network” or faced interference from vendors.
Mateyo admitted that she initially believed the announcement was just campaign rhetoric, but she is now convinced it is real.
She commended former President Mutharika for honouring his word, saying he had “liberated farmers from the burden of expensive fertiliser” and that she is now confident her household will be food secure.
Another beneficiary, who also purchased his inputs, broke into dance while praising APM as “a great leader who understands the struggles of his people.”
He said that although the programme was launched in Mchinji a few weeks ago, he had doubted it would be implemented effectively until he witnessed it firsthand today.
He encouraged fellow beneficiaries to use the fertiliser for its intended purpose and refrain from selling it, stressing the importance of applying it in their fields.
Mr Gift Mkochi, a former DPP councillor candidate for Ngala Ward in Lilongwe Msozi Constituency, was also present at the market.
He described the development as “the proven leadership we have been advocating for,” adding that he was pleased to see communities purchasing fertiliser at the promised price despite earlier doubts from some quarters.
He urged farmers to use the inputs wisely to overcome the hunger challenges affecting many households, emphasising that “this is not campaign talk, but reality.”
An elderly woman, who is also a beneficiary, told this reporter that she had “finally held both the handle and the hoe,” meaning she was now able to acquire fertiliser without difficulty. She prayed for God to give APM long life, saying he had brought relief to elderly people like herself.
As communities continue purchasing the commodity at an affordable price, there is a reminder to agricultural extension workers to support farmers in using the fertiliser effectively.
If the inputs are utilised properly, hunger could soon become a thing of the past for many Malawians.
