Export Trading and Nyiombo Investments have emerged as the only successful bidders for this year’s fertilizer subsidy programme from the list of seven bidders.

In a press statement, the ministry of agriculture and food security, said the successful bidders would be expected to supply various types of fertilizer for targeted beneficiaries under the subsidy programme in various districts across the country.

Some of the notable companies which have been left out include Mulli Brothers, Optichem, Rab processors, Transglobe produce and Agricultural Trading Company Malawi Limited.

The ministry has cited pricing as one of the fundamental factor which was considered for the successful bidders.

It further states that other companies failed for not indicating the manufacturers’ authorization certificate.

Meanwhile, the fertilizer subsidy programme for this year is expected to be rolled out shortly following the awarding of contracts to successful bidders to supply fertilizer to government.

The subsidy program was initiated by the late Aleke Banda when he was Agriculture minister in the UDF regime under the starter pack programme.

Former President Bingu wa Mutharika later changed it and implemented the fertilizer farm input subsidy programme which has been enabling smallholder farmers buy a 50kg bag of fertilizer at a reduced price of K500.

The programme has been described as a contributing factor to the country’s food security in recent years.