Malawi President for successful Fisp

Malawi President Joyce Banda has said she will ensure that deserving people are not left out in this year’s Farm Input Subsidy Programme (Fisp).

Banda was speaking on Monday when she distributed maize to food insecure households at Pirimiti Full Primary School at Jali, Zomba.

She said beneficiaries in Fisp, which benefits low income farmers in rural areas, will start getting subsidised fertiliser this week.

Banda said they wanted the fertiliser to reach distribution depots before subsidy coupons to avoid hurdles the programme faced in previous years.

She warned officials against receiving bribes and selling fertiliser during the Fisp.

“I acknowledge that many households are food insecure and I am using my own money to buy food for such households.

“All officials involved in the Fisp should show fairness to all beneficiaries and failure to do so will attract punishments,” said Banda.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security launched Fisp in Salima last week.