By Suleman Chitera
Blantyre, Malawi – Senior Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) official Sameer Sulemani has demanded clarity from President Lazarus Chakwera on the status of the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP), as Malawians await the Head of State’s scheduled announcement on new fertilizer prices this evening.
Sulemani questioned whether the AIP has officially ended or not, stressing that uncertainty around the programme is hurting poor farmers who depend on government subsidies for their survival.
According to Sulemani, government sources have hinted that the new fertilizer price could be pegged at K92,500 per bag, although he did not provide further details to back up the claim. He warned that the figure remains far beyond the financial reach of most households, especially smallholder farmers.
Sameer Suleman of DPP Blasts Government’s Management of AIP Program
“Malawians cannot afford such high prices. The President must explain clearly whether the AIP is still in place or if it has been abandoned altogether,” Sulemani said.
Echoing the same concern, fellow DPP politician Ben Phiri accused the Chakwera administration of repeatedly misleading Malawians on key policy issues, particularly in the agriculture sector.
“This government is increasingly lying to Malawians. People deserve honesty, especially when it comes to food security and farming,” Phiri said.
President Chakwera is expected to address the nation later today from Blantyre, where he is widely anticipated to announce adjustments to fertilizer prices and clarify the future of the AIP programme.
The AIP, introduced as a subsidy initiative to help millions of smallholder farmers access affordable fertilizer and seed, has faced criticism in recent years over sustainability, funding challenges, and alleged mismanagement.
As the farming season approaches, many Malawians remain anxious about whether they will afford inputs critical to their livelihoods.
