Vusumuzi Dube
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT has approved the importation of fertilisers by farmers direct from suppliers outside the country to augment local supplies while the Government develops a long-term solution to the fertilizer challenges.
This was revealed by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere in a Post Cabinet Briefing on Tuesday.
The local fertilizer industry is having challenges and the supply gap is being covered largely by imports.
“The current fertilizer stocks held by the Zimbabwe Fertiliser Manufacturers Association (ZFMA) and those under the Collateral Management Agreement (CMA) have indicated that they have challenges meeting the surging demand ahead of the imminent summer season,” he added.
The Minister revealed that the national demand for fertilisers is estimated at 400 000 metric tonnes (MT) of basal and 380 000 metric tonnes (MT) of top dressing per annum for both the summer and winter cropping season.
Cabinet also considered the report on the cement Industry market supply and demand situation as presented by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Honourable Dr Sithembiso Nyoni and also approved the importation of cement by individuals and companies with free funds.
Bongani Ndlovu