Government plans to introduce electronic vouchers for the Farm Input Subsidy Programme in the next growing season to help check corruption, and control the influx of fake counterfeit coupons, officials say.

A pilot phase of the initiative will be implemented in selected areas in Blantyre, Mangochi, Lilongwe, Mchinji, Mzimba and Rumphi districts.

Agricultural authorities believe the system is secure and cost effective in addressing fraud through the use of paper vouchers.

Speaking to Capital Fm in Mzimba, deputy national coordinator of the farm input subsidy programme Osbone Tsoka says the new system will ensure that genuine beneficiaries access the inputs.

Tsoka expresses hope that the vouchers will also help the authorities to have timely information on stock level of inputs through on-line monitoring.