National Fertiliser Policy (NFP).

The National Fertiliser Policy (NFP) provides a framework for strengthening the fertiliser industry by improving farmers’ sustainable and profitable access to high-quality, soil- and crop-specific fertilisers. The Policy aims to increase agricultural production and productivity while supporting the transition of Malawi’s agriculture sector from subsistence farming to a more commercially oriented and market-driven system. Aligned with the National Agriculture Policy (NAP), the NFP envisions that by 2026 agricultural production in Malawi will become increasingly specialized and commercially focused through the use of appropriate fertiliser technologies tailored to different soils and crops. The Policy therefore places strong emphasis on expanding the availability, affordability, and effective use of quality fertilisers as a foundation for sustainable agricultural growth. The NFP also recognizes the diverse needs and capacities of farmers, particularly the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in accessing quality fertiliser products through commercial markets. While the long-term objective is to strengthen private-sector-led commercial fertiliser distribution systems, the Government of Malawi will continue to support vulnerable farmers through a reformed fertiliser subsidy programme and innovative loan-based fertiliser schemes that encourage greater private sector participation and development of a competitive fertiliser industry.
The following are the objectives of the National Fertiliser Policy that are expected to be met by 2026 (i) increase by 75%, the number of farmers, including women and youth, timely accessing high-quality fertilisers through commercial channels; (ii) increase the use of soil analysis and fertiliser testing services by 50%; (iii) increase the volume of high quality domestic fertiliser production and blending based on soil tests, by 50%; (iv) increase the number of farmers, frontline extension staff, agro-dealers accessing information on the appropriate fertiliser formulations and use; (v) increase the number of private sector investors in the manufacturing and blending of fertilizers in fertiliser industry by 100%; (vi) double the value of commercial fertiliser trade imports and exports involving Malawian firms; (vii) increase the value of public investments to support the fertiliser supply chain in Malawi by 30%; (viii) increase investments that improve soil health, environmental stewardship and reduce pollution and harm to natural resources by 20%. The NFP identifies 7 priority areas, each with a set of policy statements and strategies necessary for realising the overall goal of the National Fertiliser Policy (NFP).
The Policy is structured around 7 priority areas (1) Farmers’ Access to High-Quality Fertilisers: aims to improve farmers’ timely and affordable access to quality fertilisers through fair market regulation, dissemination of price and product information, credit and loan facilities, efficient input programmes, private sector packaging innovations, stronger farmer cooperatives, and expansion of fertiliser retail outlets in rural areas; (2) Institutional Development and Coordination: focuses on strengthening regulation of the fertiliser industry through establishment of a National Fertiliser Regulatory Commission, review and enforcement of fertiliser laws and standards, stakeholder collaboration, and development of systems for industry sector; (3) Public Investments and Support: seeks to create an enabling environment for fertiliser industry growth through policy and regulatory reforms, public-private partnerships, investment in infrastructure, support for agricultural financing mechanisms, and provision of technical expertise to agro-dealers and fertiliser enterprises; (4) Research, Development and Extension Support: aims to improve fertiliser efficiency through soil testing, development of area- and crop-specific fertiliser recommendations, fertiliser innovation, promotion of organic and inorganic fertiliser blends, strengthening extension and advisory services, and training farmers and extension workers on fertiliser use and soil health management; (5) Private Sector-Led Fertiliser Industry Development: focuses on expanding private sector participation in fertiliser production, blending, trade, and distribution through improved access to finance, incentives for domestic production, support for agro-dealers and SMEs, harmonization of regional trade procedures, promotion of local fertiliser products, and stronger coordination among private sector actors; (6) Fertiliser Quality Standards and Truth in Labelling: aims to ensure the availability of safe and effective fertilisers through development and enforcement of quality standards, inspection and testing services, truthful labelling requirements, training on fertiliser quality management, and support for private sector quality control systems; (7) Sustainability and Environmental Management: promotes environmentally sustainable fertiliser production and use through integrated soil fertility management, soil and water conservation, liming, waste recycling, enforcement of environmental standards and impact assessments, monitoring and surveillance systems, and training farmers, agro-dealers, and industry actors on safe fertiliser handling and environmental stewardship.
Implementation of the National Fertiliser Policy (NFP) will require coordination of various stakeholders beyond the public sector, with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) playing a crucial leading role.