By Manasse Nyirenda

Rumphi, November 28, Mana: Affordable Input Programme (AIP) beneficiaries in Rumphi have hailed the programme for enhancing food security in their households.

In an interview on Wednesday one of the beneficiaries, Evelyn Nyirongo from Kavuli Village in Senior Chief Mwahenga said she is happy that she has bought a bag of NPK and is looking forward to harvesting enough food for her family of nine.

"I have benefited for the first time and I am really grateful that I have bought my first of the two bags of NPK and Urea at K15000.  I have a big family which consumes an entire bag of maize in just under three weeks. That's not easy for a poor family like ours. 

"This programme is very empowering for the poor who cannot afford to buy fertilizers from their own pockets. Now we will be able grow enough maize for our family," said Nyirongo.

Another beneficiary, Aaron Nyirongo from Chanda Village in Senior Chief Mwahenga says he is just waiting for his turn to buy since his area has received the inputs.

He added in the 2023/24 farming season he also benefited from the programme and harvested 17 bags of maize and has enough to take his family of four to the next harvest season.

On his part, Traditional Authority Kachulu said AIP beneficiaries in his area are accessing fertilizers without challenges.

He also warned his people not to sale the farm inputs in order for them to harvest enough food for their families.

AIP Coordinator for Rumphi, Victoria Munthali says as of Monday, 25 November beneficiaries in the district have redeemed 57 percent of fertilizers and of that fertilizer there is at least 14 percent of Urea.

About 18,000 people  will benefit from the programme in Rumphi in 2024/2025 farming season.