Agriculture Minister Sam Dalitso Kawale urged farmers to discard their old seeds in favor of better varieties. He posted the message on Facebook and promised to release 54 new farming innovations. Kawale blamed poor harvests on the outdated use of seeds among small farmers. The government invested money in developing improved seeds for beans, maize, and cassava. Research efforts should enhance crop yields nationwide.
Citizens responded with concerns about seed costs and government priorities. Francis Botha called the idea good but criticized expensive seed prices that hurt poor farmers. He asked officials to work with trade ministers on price controls. Another commenter suggested cheap fertilizer would help farmers more than new seeds. Many people questioned whether the program serves the interests of politicians or ordinary citizens.
President Lazarus Chakwera promised fertilizer bags at 4,000 kwacha during his campaign five years ago. Current fertilizer prices reach nearly 100,000 kwacha per bag. The broken promise resulted in costs that were over 2,000 percent higher than campaign pledges. Rural families struggle with hunger when they cannot afford farming supplies. Farmers face greater hardship as input costs erode their ability to grow food and earn a living.
Citizens responded with concerns about seed costs and government priorities. Francis Botha called the idea good but criticized expensive seed prices that hurt poor farmers. He asked officials to work with trade ministers on price controls. Another commenter suggested cheap fertilizer would help farmers more than new seeds. Many people questioned whether the program serves the interests of politicians or ordinary citizens.
President Lazarus Chakwera promised fertilizer bags at 4,000 kwacha during his campaign five years ago. Current fertilizer prices reach nearly 100,000 kwacha per bag. The broken promise resulted in costs that were over 2,000 percent higher than campaign pledges. Rural families struggle with hunger when they cannot afford farming supplies. Farmers face greater hardship as input costs erode their ability to grow food and earn a living.
