By Leah Malimbasa

Mulanje, 28 November, Mana: The Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources for Mulanje District Osmound Chapotoka has advised farmers benefitting from the Affordable Inputs Program (AIP) to refrain from selling their subsidized inputs.

Speaking on Thursday, Chapotoka emphasized the importance of using the fertilizer as intended, to improve household food security and boost agricultural productivity.

“Farmers should prioritize their crops, the subsidized fertilizer can ensure better harvests and reduce reliance on food aid,” he said.

He added that if well managed, just one hectare of land can produce 100 bags of maize, ensuring the farmer has enough maize for food and sell some for their other basic needs.

The call resonated with farmers who pledged to make the most of the inputs. One of the farmers from Kumwambe village, Traditional Authority (TA) Mabuka in Mulanje who was not a beneficiary last year, shared her optimism about the program.

"Last year, I was not on the list of beneficiaries, and I only managed to harvest six bags of maize. This year, I am hopeful I will yield more because I have bought the subsidized fertilizer and plan to use it well," she said.

Another farmer from Wasi Village, TA Mabuka, Dorothy Mazima recounted her struggles in the last growing season, which were compounded by dry spells and an army worm infestation.

"I didn’t have fertilizer last year and only harvested one bag of maize to feed my family of five. Now, we rely on my husband doing piecework to buy food. I am hopeful the fertilizer I’ve bought through AIP will improve food security for my household this season," she explained.

AIP is a government initiative which provides subsidized fertilizer and seeds to smallholder farmers to enhance food production across the country.