Small-scale farmers in Traditional Authority Chiwalo, Phalombe North-East, have expressed deep frustration over alleged corruption in the distribution of subsidized farm inputs under the Affordable Inputs Program (AIP).
The farmers claim that local authorities and rich people are undermining the program by engaging in fraudulent practices at the Mpinda EPA distribution center.
One concerned farmer, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed that the sale of fertilizer at the EPA has been marred by corruption, with some law enforcement officers also reportedly involved in the malpractice. “Even the police are not helping us. They are complicit in this dishonesty,” the farmer lamented.
It is reported that, farmers are being forced to pay an additional K20,000 per bag of fertilizer, which is officially priced at K15,000 under the AIP. This means that a single bag is being sold illegally at K35,000, far beyond the subsidized rate.
The situation has been worsened by rich people from other areas who are allegedly purchasing large quantities of fertilizer through corrupt means, leaving local farmers unable to access the inputs.
Some farmers have reportedly waited for up to four days at distribution points without success because they cannot afford the extra charges demanded.
Meanwhile, Face of Malawi tried to speak with one of the sellers at the center but he denied saying he was busy.
The farmers are now calling on authorities to address the rampant corruption to ensure that the intended beneficiaries of the program receive the much-needed support.
