Govt Bows Down To MPs Demand On AIP Fertilizer

Agriculture Minister, Sam Kawale, has promised Members of Parliament (MPs) a resolution to their demands for equal distribution of fertilizer under the Agricultural Inputs Program (AIP) in Blantyre.

Over 20 MPs from various political parties, including the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the United Democratic Front (UDF), have been conducting a vigil at the Smallholder Farmers Fertilizer Revolving Fund (SFFRFM) warehouses in the area.

According to the MPs, farmers in some parts of the southern region have yet to receive UREA fertilizer, leading to concerns about unequal distribution under AIP.

The MPs have been blocking any vehicle from leaving the depot until their demands are met.

Minister Kawale has assured the MPs that their demands will be addressed promptly, saying, “They will receive it (fertilizer) today”.

The MPs’ protest has drawn attention to the issue of fertilizer access for small-scale farmers and the need for a more equitable distribution system.