By George Mponda

Karonga, November 28, Mana: Small scale farmers in Karonga have hailed the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) for improving food security in the disaster prone district.

Speaking with Malawi News Agency, Kingsley Mweniyuba from Zindi Village in Paramount Cheif Kyungu's area, said the initiative has made high-quality fertilizers affordable and accessible, leading to increased crop yields and improved livelihoods.

"Most farmers in our area have long struggled with low soil fertility due to annual floods which has hindered our ability to produce sufficient crops. However, with the subsidy program, we are purchasing fertilizer at a significantly reduced cost, enabling us to rejuvenate our soil and reap bountiful harvests," said Mweniyuba.

Echoing these sentiments, Mary Mhone, another beneficiary from Mwenilondo said the impact of the programme has been remarkable, with many farmers reporting a significant increase in crop yields and quality.

"This, in turn, has led to improved food security and increased income for farming families, enabling them to invest in their future. Women farmers, in particular, have benefited from the program, as they are often responsible for managing household food security and with access to affordable fertilizers, they are now able to produce more and better food for their families," Mhango said.

Director of Agriculture Services for Karonga District Council, Yaz Nyirenda hailed the fertilizer subsidy program for having a positive ripple effect on local economies.

"10, 333 farming families are to benefit from this programme in Karonga from all six constituencies namely; Karonga Songwe, Karonga Lufilya, Karonga Town, Karonga Central, Karonga Nyungwe and Karonga South," said Nyirenda.

"With farmers producing more and earning more, they are able to stimulate economic growth and development in their communities. Moreover, the program has promoted sustainable agricultural practices, as farmers are now able to adopt climate-smart farming methods and reduce their environmental footprint," he added.

According to Nyirenda, 5, 747 farm families were food insecure in the district and the fertilizer subsidy program has been a resounding success, empowering farmers to boost productivity, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable agriculture.

Group Village Head Malema has since hailed government for providing the fertiliser which he said has come in time as people await the rain season.

"My only worry is that although the fertiliser is available at the selling points, some still do not have the money with which to redeem their fertiliser," said Malema.

This year's AIP which is set to benefit over 1.1 million farmers countrywide was launched by President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera at Dzundu Primary School Ground, under the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Symon at Zalewa in Neno District.

Speaking with Malawi News Agency, Kingsley Mweniyuba from Zindi Village in Paramount Cheif Kyungu's area, said the initiative has made high-quality fertilizers affordable and accessible, leading to increased crop yields and improved livelihoods.

"Most farmers in our area have long struggled with low soil fertility due to annual floods which has hindered our ability to produce sufficient crops. However, with the subsidy program, we are purchasing fertilizer at a significantly reduced cost, enabling us to rejuvenate our soil and reap bountiful harvests," said Mweniyuba.

Echoing these sentiments, Mary Mhone, another beneficiary from Mwenilondo said the impact of the programme has been remarkable, with many farmers reporting a significant increase in crop yields and quality.

"This, in turn, has led to improved food security and increased income for farming families, enabling them to invest in their future. Women farmers, in particular, have benefited from the program, as they are often responsible for managing household food security and with access to affordable fertilizers, they are now able to produce more and better food for their families," Mhango said.

Director of Agriculture Services for Karonga District Council, Yaz Nyirenda hailed the fertilizer subsidy program for having a positive ripple effect on local economies.

"10, 333 farming families are to benefit from this programme in Karonga from all six constituencies namely; Karonga Songwe, Karonga Lufilya, Karonga Town, Karonga Central, Karonga Nyungwe and Karonga South," said Nyirenda.

"With farmers producing more and earning more, they are able to stimulate economic growth and development in their communities. Moreover, the program has promoted sustainable agricultural practices, as farmers are now able to adopt climate-smart farming methods and reduce their environmental footprint," he added.

According to Nyirenda, 5, 747 farm families were food insecure in the district and the fertilizer subsidy program has been a resounding success, empowering farmers to boost productivity, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable agriculture.

Group Village Head Malema has since hailed government for providing the fertiliser which he said has come in time as people await the rain season.

"My only worry is that although the fertiliser is available at the selling points, some still do not have the money with which to redeem their fertiliser," said Malema.

This year's AIP which is set to benefit over 1.1 million farmers countrywide was launched by President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera at Dzundu Primary School Ground, under the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Symon at Zalewa in Neno District.