Mutharika cuts AIP fertilizer price to K10,000

President Arthur Peter Mutharika has announced that fertilizer under the Farm Inputs Subsidy Programme (FISP) will be sold at K10,000 per 50-kilogram bag, as his government revives the subsidy scheme to boost food security and support smallholder farmers.

Speaking at the official opening of the 52nd Session of Parliament on Friday, President Mutharika said the programme would benefit 1.1 million households, each receiving two bags of fertilizer and a 5kg seed pack.

“My administration will reintroduce the Farm Input Subsidy Programme this farming season,” said Mutharika. “Beneficiaries will pay K10,000 per bag.”

He warned against the sale of counterfeit fertilizer, directing the Malawi Bureau of Standards and the Malawi Police Service to crack down on perpetrators, describing the act as “inhuman and criminal.”

The President acknowledged the country’s economic hardships, citing 28.2 percent inflation, forex shortages, and public debt now at K21.6 trillion. He pledged to stabilize the economy through debt restructuring, fiscal discipline, and increased grants.

Mutharika also announced the procurement of 200,000 metric tons of maize from Zambia to aid four million Malawians affected by food shortages, following the declaration of a state of disaster in 11 districts earlier this month.

On energy, the President promised to ease the fuel crisis by reinstating the Open Tender Procurement System and increasing forex allocations for imports. He highlighted ongoing investments in power generation, including the 358.5 MW Mpatamanga Hydropower Project and the 50 MW Salima Nanjoka Solar Plant, both expected to advance in 2026.

Turning to mining and industrialization, Mutharika said the Kayelekera Uranium Mine had resumed operations and cited progress at the Kanyika Niobium, Songwe, and Kangankunde Rare Earths projects. A Sovereign Wealth Fund will be established to ensure citizens benefit from mineral revenues.

He reaffirmed plans to industrialize six key sectors, agro-processing, textile and apparel, mineral processing, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and technology, as drivers of jobs and growth.

On governance, Mutharika vowed to restore integrity in the public service, halt unprocedural appointments, and empower the Anti-Corruption Bureau to act “without fear or favour.”

The President also announced free secondary education, scrapping tuition, examination, and development fees, and directed urgent measures to address drug shortages in public hospitals. Support for vulnerable citizens through the Social Cash Transfer Programme will continue, he added.

Concluding his address, Mutharika urged unity and focus on rebuilding the economy.

“If we get the economy right, we get everything else right. It is a growing economy that will create jobs for the youth and women. I will not tolerate any corruption in this government,” he declared.