Malawians are reeling as fertilizer prices spiral out of reach for most citizens. Market checks now reveal that a bag of Super D fertilizer is selling for MK 170,000, CAN at MK 107,000, and NPK at MK 119,000, with further increases anticipated.

During his 2020 campaign, President Lazarus Chakwera pledged to lower fertilizer prices to MK 4,500 per bag. At the time, fertilizer was priced at MK 17,000, a rate now viewed as affordable compared to today’s prices. With just seven months until elections, the promise remains unfulfilled.

The Affordable Farm Inputs Program (AIP), once a lifeline for farmers, has steadily declined. Beneficiary numbers have been slashed annually amid allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and fund theft by Malawi Congress Party (MCP) officials.

The soaring fertilizer prices exacerbate an already dire situation. A bag of maize now costs MK 65,000, worsening hunger and poverty across the nation. These high input costs are expected to reduce crop yields, likely driving maize prices even higher in the next harvest.

President Chakwera, once seen as a beacon of hope, faces mounting criticism for failing to deliver on his promises. As he eyes re-election, Malawians endure deteriorating living conditions marked by hunger, corruption, tribalism, inflation, police brutality, and an ailing economy.

The nation calls for urgent action and transformative leadership to address these crises and restore hope for its people.