Farmers under the 2015/16 Farm Input Subsidy Program have to dig deep into their pocket if they want to purchase a 50 kilogram bag of fertilizer as the government has hiked the price.

A 50 kilogram bag of fertilizer under fisp program is currently going at MK3500 from the previous price of MK500. This means the bag has increased by 600%.

Making the announcement, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Dr. Allan Chiyembekeza said farmers under the subsidy program will this year pay K8500 for the full package which includes legume seed and two bags of fertilizer (basal and top dressing).

The Minister said the government has decided to revise the price following complaint from various corners that the previous price was negatively affecting the economy of the country as much resources was spent on Fisp.

Chiyembeka also hinted that the number of beneficiaries remain at 1.5 million.