Third of FISP coupons in

The first batch of Farm Input Subsidy Programme (Fisp) coupons for beneficiaries to recoup inputs arrived in the country on Tuesday and will initially benefit farmers in the Southern Region.

Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development said the coupons—for all four inputs, namely two types of fertiliser, and legume and hybrid maize seed —are for the 687 900 beneficiaries in Blantyre, Shire Valley and Machinga agricultural development divisions (ADDs). This means that 812 100 potential beneficiaries are yet to receive their Fisp coupons.

Fisp deputy national coordinator Osborne Tsoka said in an interview on Tuesday that the distribution is following weather patterns.

He said: “It is true that the first batch arrived today at three [in the afternoon] and tomorrow we will begin our distribution. The next batch which will be for the Northern and Central regions will arrive next week Tuesday and will be immediately distributed.”

The arrival of the coupons means that farmers will now be able to access inputs.

However, a distribution status report indicates that 25 703 metric tons (MT) out of the 150 000MT have been distributed to various districts nationwide.

The 39 percent dispatch status means that 585 000 beneficiaries can access Urea and NPK fertiliser.

However, the 11th Fisp logistics report issued on November 10 showed that contracts for maize and legume seeds suppliers were yet to be issued and agreed between the private sector and government.

This year’s Fisp has been marred by logistical hiccups, drawing criticism from several stakeholders, including Felix Jumbe, chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, who argued that government was not ready for the programme.

He said: “This is a good example of failing to prepare. Not only can such decisions spell disaster but Malawi is already recovering from floods and such decisions could be costly.”

Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Allan Chiyembekeza admitted that government suffered some major hiccups on the programme, but was optimistic it will end well.

He said the problems encountered were beyond their control; hence, there was nothing that could be done.

Recently, some members of Parliament (MPs) also expressed their concern over the delays in Fisp implementation.

This year’s coupons printing logistics done with support from Britain’s Department for International Development (DfID) has amounted to K49 million ($83,465.2).

Fisp was introduced in the 2005/06 growing season to boost production by enabling smallholder farmers to buy improved seed and fertiliser. Until 2012, the programme yielded Malawi years of bumper harvest.

However, this year a combined effect of floods and drought ate up the investment, resulting in 30 percent drop in harvest.

The programme has also come under fire from economic commentators who have called for an exit strategy as the cost of the programme was a strain on public resources. n