Farmers in Zomba District have commended the Government for the implementation of the Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP), saying it has come at a critical time when fertiliser prices have sharply increased.
Beneficiaries noted that a 50-kilogramme bag of fertiliser is currently selling at about K175,000 on the open market, making it unaffordable for many smallholder farmers.
They said the subsidised price of K10,000 under FISP will significantly ease the burden on farmers and help boost maize production this farming season.
One beneficiary, Melia Nipulo from Traditional Authority Mulumbe, said the programme will enable her to harvest more maize.
She urged fellow farmers to use the subsidised inputs responsibly to maximise yields.
Another farmer, Mariko Chidothi from Traditional Authority Mwambo, welcomed the programme but expressed concern over delays in the availability of urea fertiliser.
Chidothi said Zomba District received early planting rains and maize crops now require a second application of fertiliser.
Zomba District Director of Agriculture Services, Linda Mphande, also praised the Government for the programme, noting that 20 out of 22 markets are currently operational, with plans underway to roll out mobile markets.
She added that a total of 58,047 households are expected to benefit from FISP in Zomba District this season.
