UDF to abolish subsidy programme
United Democratic Front (UDF) presidential candidate, Atupele Muluzi, has declared that his administration will abolish the irregularity-infested Farm Input Subsidy Programme (Fisp) if the party is voted into office during theMay 20 Tripartite Elections.
Muluzi made the remarks on Tuesday during whistle-stop tours in Ntcheu and Dedza districts. He was on his way to the North where he is also expected to hold a series of whistle-stop tours.
The UDF torchbearer observed that despite draining billions of taxpayers’ money, Fisp has failed to inspire food security among Malawians.
“Instead, the programme has only managed to create enmity among the people over the administration and distribution of coupons. My government is determined to abolish this system and replace it with universal subsidy,” said Muluzi.
He disclosed that, within a few months after assuming the leadership of this country, his administration will emphasise fiscal discipline, entrepreneurship and agriculture to resurrect the ailing economy.
“UDF government will make sure the public purse is being utilised to improve the quality of life for poor Malawians, not to benefit a few individuals that are close to the echelons of power. Our party has a clear policy on how we’re going to achieve what we’re promising you,” said Muluzi, adding the party will unveil its manifesto in three weeks.
No single subsistence farmer has benefited from FISP. The only people who have gotten rich are FISP farm inputs suppliers, procurement officers in government, politicians and transporters. Most of us have not even received a single bag of Fertiliser during the lifetime of the program. Farmers have lost out because it has contributed to very low selling prices of maize and other food products. Why can’t we let market forces bring fair play to the market? Poor farmers should recieve subsistence from government, we have the technology to identify them and deliver support. All commercial farmers should buy farm inputs at market prices, and all food must be sold at market prices. Government must strictly enforce minimum labour rates. This would ensure that employees can afford to buy food, and farmers receive adequate compensation for their trouble. It’s the only way the country can progress. Koma zoberana izi, ayi. FISP budget is MK 63 billion, give this money to the poor to subsidise their food, the farmer will get more money and more motivation.
Most Malawians want a job period, but we are forcing them to become subservient farmers. Let’s commercialize agriculture and employ these guys, they will get a monthly wage, and they will spend on what they need, not giving them bags of fertilisers which they end up selling to get money for food.
Well said Messrs Guest.
well said guest mate
You want to bring back the starter pack that your father introduced? To hell with you young man. You don’t know farming and all you know is selling fish and tailoring or shop assistants in Indian shops or working in mosques.
Atupele’s economic theory is strange. Where can government pay more resources pn fisp or universal subsidy? Does this presidential aspirant know what he is talking about regarding why subsidies are settled for? Our economy of which you were Minister of Economic Planning and Development can not support universal subsidy and assuming it does it will still be another cashgate to venture into that because the poor will lose and the rich will take advantage of the majority poor inability to buy the universal subsidy.
I wonder why this would be president is touting that UDF jas a clear policy on how to advance the universal subsidy programme when the policy is not yet released for public scrutiny and disposal.
FISP has proved fruitful in the eight year leadership of Bingu and why re event the wheel instead of strengthening the FISP where there are loopholes?
Just a tip Atupele! consult Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and find out whether the total hectarage for FISP beneficiaries is indeed equivalent to the inputs they receive. The result will tell that more inputs are budgeted for than used and this is where one can start correcting the ills associated with FISP. Briefly, a beneficiary who deserves a quarter bag gets a similar share to the one who deserves a full bag or more and this mismatch can be costly if more beneficiaries have small land to cultivate but receive just too much.
I can’t divulge more unless it’s a consultancy
Atupele, zoona. Iweyo ngati umaona kuti sizogwila bwanji umangogona ku Parliament osalankhula. So you want to re-introduce the 1Kg starter pack zoona mnyamata iwe. Ndiwe mwanadi eti
How is the Atupele going to fund the universal fertilizer program ? He needs to come out clearly and outline the strategies to be employed. Otherwise i take that one just like any other political talk aimed at gaining votes.
Zaiwowa amakamba ndi anthu kkkk… Yellow yelloe yellow! Thats their moto even mmunda yellow!!! Ooh Shame!!