{
  "id": 13753766,
  "title": "Malawi Fertiliser Stocks Fall 300,000 Tonnes Short",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/malawi-fertiliser-stocks-fall-300-000-tonnes-short",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-11T16:27:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Rio Times",
    "slug": "the-rio-times",
    "url": "https://www.riotimesonline.com/malawi-fertiliser-gap-300000-tonnes-2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malawi is facing a fertiliser shortfall of over 300,000 tonnes before the rainy season, according to industry data. The Malawi Fertiliser Association (FAM) reports that national stocks currently stand at about 148,000 tonnes, while the country requires between 450,000 and 475,000 tonnes annually. Only 35,068 tonnes of fertiliser are physically located within Malawi, with another 66,940 tonnes stranded or in transit through ports in Mozambique, Tanzania, and Dar es Salaam. The remainder of the fertiliser is still at sea. Prices for fertiliser, particularly urea and NPK blended fertiliser, have surged by roughly 40% since February, making it unaffordable for smallholder farmers. This shortage is concerning, as it signals another year of potential hunger in a country that heavily relies on food aid. The Reserve Bank of Malawi has encouraged commercial banks to prioritize strategic imports, but foreign exchange access, procurement timelines, and logistics remain key challenges.",
  "summary": "Malawi holds about 148,000 tonnes of fertiliser against needs of up to 475,000, while urea now costs about US$120 a bag before planting. The post Malawi Fertiliser Stocks Fall 300,000 Tonnes Short appeared first on The Rio Times .",
  "key_points": [
    "Malawi faces 300,000+ tonne fertiliser shortfall before rainy season",
    "Only 148,000 tonnes in national stocks, 35,068 tonnes locally",
    "Fertiliser prices surged 40% since February, beyond smallholder reach"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}