The Civil Society Network on Agriculture (CisaNet) has expressed deep concern over the delays by the government in the rollout of this year’s Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP).

A statement signed by Cisanet board chairperson Herbert Chagona says with only one-and-a-half months left before the rainy season, it is worrisome that the government has not yet determined the price of fertilizer under the programme.

“As an organization dedicated to advocating agriculture policy and also stand for the rights and wellbeing of smallholder farmers in Malawi we find this situation extremely worrisome,” Chagona said.

It further said the delay is a contradiction to the government’s commitment to supporting poor farmers and ensuring food security in the country.