Malawi protects fertilizer program with intelligence agents
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The Malawi government began distributing subsidized fertilizer and seeds to 1,221,862 smallholder farmers as part of the 2026/27 Farm Inputs Subsidy Programme.
Minister of Agriculture Roza Fatch Mbilizi launched the program at Kalira 1 Primary School, explaining the government aims for the program to increase both food production and farmer income. Farmers cultivating between 0.4 and two acres will receive coupons for discounted NPK and Urea fertilizer, and certified maize seed, redeemed through their farmer organizations.
The program also asks farmers to work in pairs to produce organic Mbeya fertilizer, supplementing the subsidized inputs. Government officials responded to concerns about theft and diversion of supplies last season by deploying security agencies and intelligence operatives to oversee distribution and transportation. Mbilizi confirmed that Malawi had already purchased all the fertilizer needed for the season and is working to speed up delivery after delays last year.
Alongside the subsidy program, the government is investing in irrigation by repairing existing schemes and installing solar-powered pumps at almost 800 locations to help farmers cope with dry conditions.
