K30bn for AIP vanishes at Agriculture Ministry-Parliamentary committee

Parliamentary committee on Agriculture has revealed that 30 billion kwacha meant for affordable input program AIP has vanished at Ministry of agriculture

Chairperson of the committee Sameer Suleman disclosed that the ministry has been duped through a dubious deal with a United Kingdom fertilizer company.

Meanwhile Center for social accountability and transparency CSAT has demanded immediate investigation on the matter which has created panic on farmers therefore people involved in the scandal should face the law.

CSAT executive director Willy Kambwandira said government should open up and explain to Malawians the plan for this year’s AIP because the quietness is creating pressure on farmers.

Reacting to the allegations Ministry of agriculture says the 30 billion kwacha will be received by the end of October this year.

In a statement signed by secretary for agriculture Sandram Maweru, said the allegations are false.

According to Maweru, the deal was signed between Smallholder Farmers Fertilizer Revolving Fund of Malawi SFFRFM and Barkaat Foods Limited which had a production line with Yara Limited for an initial supply of 25, 000 metric tons of fertilizers.

Maweru said government paid a commitment fee amounting to 750 million kwacha through Ecobank to lock the price.

He however said Barkaat failed to supply the fertilizer citing loss of production line at Yara UK hence termination of the contract.

“The company agreed to transfer the fee back to SFFRFM through Ecobank and will be received this month,” Maweru

He has therefore advised those that peddle lies on important matters of national interest to desist from such malpractice saying it creates unnecessary panic and anxiety to the public.