Update: Agriculture Minister Faces Scrutiny Over Fertiliser Delays
Agriculture Minister Roza Mbilizi is facing renewed pressure over the delayed rollout of the Farm Inputs Subsidy Programme ahead of the planting season, Nyasa Times reports. While district councils have received their subsidy coupons, the actual distribution of materials to beneficiaries has stalled. The delay is causing concern among agricultural experts because the government is heavily promoting the use of Mbeya fertiliser this season. According to Innocent Pangapanga of the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mbeya fertiliser requires roughly three weeks to decompose and ferment before its nutrients become available to maize plants. Under the programme, farmers are expected to contribute K10,000 for certified seed and K20,000 for each of their two 50-kilogram bags of fertiliser.
Update: Tobacco Registration Plagued by Low Turnout
The national tobacco sector is experiencing administrative delays, with grower registration numbers remaining very low. According to Tobacco Reporter, the Tobacco Commission's Know Your Grower initiative has registered only 55,851 farmers out of a historic base of 293,205, representing just 19 percent of potential growers. The slow uptake persists despite a recent deadline extension to the middle of October. Tobacco Commission spokesperson Telephorus Chigwenembe confirmed the figures and stated that the regulatory body plans to assess the reasons for the low registration rate.
Update: IMF Warns of Food Shortages Due to Climate Risks
Adding to the agricultural sector's challenges, new climate forecasts highlight impending food security risks. Malawi24 reports that the International Monetary Fund's October 2026 Regional Economic Outlook Update warns of below-normal rainfall expected between October 2026 and March 2027. The financial agency noted that these dry conditions could lead to crop losses, pushing up domestic food prices and reducing incomes for farmers who are already navigating high input costs and national foreign exchange shortages.