FISP 2026/27: the fertiliser subsidy
What the Farm Inputs Subsidy Programme costs this season, who it is for, how beneficiaries are chosen and where coupons are redeemed.
- NPK: K20,000
- Urea: K20,000
- Seed: K10,000
Quick answer: The 2026/27 Farm Inputs Subsidy Programme (FISP) was launched in Ntchisi on 24 September 2026. Beneficiaries pay K20,000 for a 50 kg bag of NPK, K20,000 for a 50 kg bag of Urea and K10,000 for 5 kg of certified maize seed. FISP is for resource-constrained smallholder maize farmers who are on their area’s beneficiary list. This year farmer organisations choose the beneficiaries and hand out the inputs, and the Smallholder Farmers Fertilizer Revolving Fund of Malawi (SFFRFM) runs redemption. Report corruption or overcharging free on 4338.
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FISP prices for 2026/27
From the Ministry of Agriculture’s notice of 17 October 2026 on its Facebook page, the same prices SFFRFM announced at the launch.
- InputFarmer pays
- NPK fertiliser (23:10:5 +6S +1Zn)50 kg bagK20,000
- Urea fertiliser (46% N)50 kg bagK20,000
- Certified maize seed5 kg bagK10,000
According to the Ministry’s 2026/27 guidelines, as reported by The Nation, one package is two 50 kg bags of fertiliser and one 5 kg bag of maize seed, so a beneficiary pays K50,000 in total. The Ministry’s notice warns: Chenjerani ndi akambelembele. Asakubereni! (beware of cheats who will rob you).
Who qualifies for FISP
From Agriculture Minister Roza Fatch Mbilizi’s launch statement of 24 September 2026.
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Resource-constrained smallholder maize farmers
FISP 2026/27 targets 1,221,862 resource-constrained smallholder maize farmers across the country. The Ministry’s guidelines, as reported by The Nation, say 610,931 of them get subsidised fertiliser and seed directly, and the programme reaches the rest through organic fertiliser work.
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Chosen by farmer organisations
This season farmer organisations identify beneficiaries and distribute the inputs, with extension workers. Only farmers on an approved beneficiary list can redeem inputs. The Ministry has not published an online list or a phone number to check your name.
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You must make Mbeya organic fertiliser
Beneficiaries work in pairs, with support from extension workers, to produce Mbeya organic fertiliser, and are encouraged to use One-One (Sasakawa) planting and other good practices. The Nation reports that taking part in Mbeya production is a condition of the programme.
Check your name and redeem your coupon
FISP has gone back to paper coupons this season.
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Ask your farmer organisation or extension worker
Your farmer organisation, your Agricultural Extension Development Officer (AEDO) or your village head can tell you whether you are on the list for your area. District councils also announce their numbers: Dowa, for example, expects 27,180 beneficiary households.
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Get your coupon
Beneficiaries receive a paper coupon. The Nation reports that each carries a unique serial number and security features linked to a central database. The Ministry’s spokesperson told the Times on 15 October 2026 that all coupons had been sent to the districts.
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Redeem it at your selling point
SFFRFM manages distribution and redemption. Take the coupon and the cash to the selling point named for your area: K20,000 per bag of fertiliser, K10,000 for seed. SFFRFM’s chief executive told the Times that deliveries are phased, starting with seven districts where the rains usually come first. Ask SFFRFM on toll free 4338 if your selling point has no stock.
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Plant at the right time
This is an El Niño season. DCCMS expects established rains only from about mid-December and dry spells in January and February: see our rainy season forecast.
Report overcharging or corruption
From the Ministry’s price notice and SFFRFM.
Ziphuphu sizololedwa: corruption is not allowed. If anyone asks for more than K20,000 a bag, sells coupons, or asks for a bribe to put you on the list, call the free line 4338 (SFFRFM). You can also email [email protected] or tell your district agriculture office.
FISP links
FISP FAQ
How much is FISP fertiliser in 2026/27?
K20,000 for a 50 kg bag of NPK and K20,000 for a 50 kg bag of Urea. Certified maize seed is K10,000 for a 5 kg bag.
Is it called AIP or FISP now?
FISP, the Farm Inputs Subsidy Programme. Earlier seasons used the name Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP); the 2025/26 and 2026/27 programmes are FISP.
How do I know if I am a FISP beneficiary?
Ask your farmer organisation, your extension worker (AEDO) or your village head. Farmer organisations identify beneficiaries this season. There is no official online list.
Where do I buy FISP fertiliser?
With your coupon at the selling point for your area. SFFRFM runs distribution and redemption; call its free line 4338 to ask.
How many farmers will benefit?
The Minister says 1,221,862 resource-constrained smallholder maize farmers. The Nation reports that 610,931 get fertiliser and seed directly.
Can I buy FISP fertiliser without a coupon?
No. Subsidised inputs are only for farmers on the beneficiary list with a coupon. Anyone selling coupons or FISP fertiliser on the side should be reported on 4338.
What is Mbeya fertiliser?
An organic fertiliser farmers make themselves from local materials. FISP beneficiaries make it in pairs with help from extension workers, as part of this season’s push for soil health.
When does FISP start?
It was launched on 24 September 2026 in Ntchisi. Inputs reach districts in phases, starting where the rains usually come first.
Related
Sources: Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development: launch notice (23 September 2026) and FISP 2026-2027 recommended prices notice (17 October 2026) on its Facebook page; launch statement of Minister Roza Fatch Mbilizi (24 September 2026); SFFRFM launch post (24 September 2026) and sffrfm.org; agriculture.gov.mw documents (FISP maize seed tender, June 2026); Dowa District Council Facebook (beneficiary numbers, October 2026). Press, as attributed: The Nation, 31 July 2026 and The Times, 15 October 2026. Checked 24 October 2026.
