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Ashton Mutyavaviri
AS the country moves to climate-proof agriculture through irrigation, AFC Leasing Company has introduced a 10 percent discount and zero deposit for tillage services to irrigating farmers to add impetus to the national agenda.
The company’s regional operational and business development manager Mr Simbarashe Kadengwa yesterday said the 10 percent discount was given for full tillage services, which comprise ploughing, discing and boom-spraying.
“Costs for the services are quoted using dry rate figures that are as follows: US$75 per hectare (ha) for ploughing, US$65/ha for discing and US$50/ha for boom-spraying,” he said.
Mr Kadengwa said the company was targeting wheat and tobacco farmers.
He urged all winter wheat farmers who are yet to plant to approach them for the services adding that the move would help increase wheat hectarage, as part of moves to make the nation flour secure. AFC Leasing Company, Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) and the Department of Mechanisation under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Development are ready to assist farmers with tillage services, he observed.
“We have partnered with the ARDA to make sure we increase the winter wheat hectarage. And despite the planting window deadline approaching, we can still have the late crop planted as late as June 1,” said Mr Kadengwa.
Meanwhile, the Government is working closely with stakeholders such as Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority and Zimbabwe National Water Authority to ensure that there is uninterrupted power and water supplies to ensure the nation meets its targeted yield of 600 000 tonnes.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter