Pres. Joyce Banda to launch parallel farm subsidy programme

Malawi President Joyce Banda has told the nation that in the next growing season she will introduce a parallel Fertilizer Subsidy Input Programme to benefit those that will not get from government funded programme.

Banda made the revelation during the cattle distribution exercise that took place in Zomba on Sunday.

The President said she is aware that the government funded subsidy programme is not reaching every one hence the introduction of the parallel programme that will solely be financed by herself and her friends.

“Even the cows that I am distributing today, they are not the ones the ministry of agriculture are distributing, these are my personal ones,” said President Banda.

Speaking during the function Minister of Agriculture, Peter Mwanza said the distribution of cows in the country will economically empower families and create jobs.

Earlier in the day President Banda laid a foundation stone at Sadzi CCAP church in the district.

The church project will cost over K120 million.

President Banda encouraged the church members to give wholeheartedly towards the project, saying those who give towards Gods Projects, receive more from God.

State House Press Officer Brian Banda told the media that the President has since invited the project Committee to Sanjika palace to discuss further on how the Head of State can help in the project.

State House press officer said: “It is in the interest of the President to understand in greater detail how the church intends to build the church. The President will make her donation towards the project once she meets the building committee,” said Banda in a telephone interview from Zomba.