Adequate AN fertiliser supply boosts cereal production

Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
MANICALAND’S agricultural sector is poised for a boost, thanks to the adequate availability of Ammonium Nitrate fertiliser on the local market.
This timely supply, combined with the recent good rains, is expected to significantly enhance cereal production, paving the way for a successful 2024/2025 harvest season.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri on Wednesday said the availability of adequate fertiliser will boost cereal production in the country, given the current good rains, which have created favourable conditions for farming.
With adequate fertiliser supply, farmers can optimise crop yields, improving food security and economic stability. Government’s efforts to ensure sufficient fertiliser availability demonstrate its commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and promoting rural development.
“There is more than enough fertiliser on the market, (and) for the Pfumvudza programme, deliveries have now quickened to the various Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots for immediate distribution,” said Professor Jiri.
His sentiments were echoed by Fertiliser Seed Group (FSG) spokesperson, Mr Ngoni Kandeya, who said they have enough fertiliser stocks, with a 50kg bag of top dressing fertiliser selling between US$35 and US$40.
“Yes, (top dressing fertiliser) stock is available on the market. Roughly 300 000 metric tonnes is the national demand for top dressing fertiliser in the country. Various suppliers import to feed into this requirement,” he said, adding the there are no anticipated shortages on the market for the 2024/2025 season.
Mr Kandeya attributed some delays in the distribution for Government sponsored programme to funding challenges. He also urged farmers to store top dressing fertiliser in nice, cool, aerated warehouse conditions under roof to maintain its quality and effectiveness.
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services Manicaland Provincial Director, Mr Nhamo Mudada said more than 90 percent of Manicaland’s top-dressing fertiliser allocation has been distributed to smallholder farmers.
This is expected to significantly boost the Pfumvudza programme in the province by increasing crop yields as AN fertiliser provides essential nutrients to crops, leading to improved yields and better food security. It also enhances crop quality – resulting in healthier crops, reducing the risk of disease and pests.
Mr Mudada reiterated Government’s position that beneficiaries are not supposed to pay transport cost for delivery of the inputs as it is the prerogative of GMB to distribute them to local collection points.
His comments follow on the heels of reports that some distribution committees, are asking beneficiaries to pay between US$1 and US$2 per 50kg of bag of fertiliser.
For example, in Makoni South, farmers said they were being asked to pay US$2 per 50kg of fertiliser, prompting swift intervention of their legislator, Honourable Albert Nyakuedzwa.
“In terms of the Presidential Inputs Programme, Manicaland has distributed 90 percent of Ammonium Nitrate to the intended beneficiaries as of last week Monday. We looking forward to finish the distribution of the available AN very soon,” said Mr Mudada, urging farmers to split fertiliser application.
Split top dressing fertiliser application refers to the practice of dividing the total recommended amount of AN fertiliser into two or more applications, spaced at specific intervals.
Mr Mudada said this approach enhances nutrient availability and uptake by crops, reduce risk of nutrient deficiencies; minimising leaching losses, especially in sandy soils or during periods of excessive rainfall, and provides crops with a steady supply of nutrients, promoting healthy growth and development.
“We advise farmers to split AN application, given the high chances of leaching due to the good rains being received across the province. We also advise farmers to continue scouting for armyworms, and put these pests under economic threshold levels. We also highly encourage self-funded farmers to source for AN from reputable retailers. We need to convert our record planting of maize in the province to maximum yields this season. Agricultural extension officers, now called business advisors, are available to offer advisory services to all farmers,” said Mr Mudada.