By Robert Nayeja

Nsanje, November 29, Mana: Communities in Nsanje on Friday appealed to government to continue with the Affordable Input Program (AIP) as it has improved crop production in the district.

Edith Mkata from Mchacha Village, Traditional Authority Malemia said in an interview that for the past two years she has been on the program, she has realized bumper yields from her garden.

She said she is now able to harvest 20 bags from the same garden, which she used to harvest 7 bags.

"This program is very beneficial to us in the village and would like to appeal to government to continue with the program, " she said.

Shanu Lami from Lampi Village, Traditional Authority Malemia praised government for the program adding that it is helping the common man from the village.

"I cannot afford to buy fertilizer at the shop. Thanks to government for including me in the program that enables me buy fertilizer at a subsidized price," he added.

Ester Vunganyade from Kailedzi Village in the area of Senior Chief Mlolo said AIP has reduced hunger at her house.

She said the issue of facing hunger each year is now history as she is able to harvest more as compared to the time she was not in the program.

"We understand this year we will have good rains and I have already redeemed my bags of fertilizer. If all goes well this year, am expecting a good harvest," Vunganyade said.

AIP Coordinator for Nsanje Rodrick Mphamba said this year the district has a total of 10, 413 AIP beneficiaries.

Mphamba said a total of 2, 396 have already redeemed NPK fertilizer and 5, 995 have redeemed Urea fertilizer.

He expressed hope that fertilizer will be available soon so that the remaining number of people should redeem their fertilizer.