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ROGUE agricultural extension officers across the country are reportedly selling inputs meant for distribution under the Command Agriculture programme on black market, including demanding bribes from desperate would-be beneficiaries.
The scams are reportedly causing delays in the distribution of the inputs in Mashonaland West.
Provincial Agritex officer Mrs Edinah Shambare confirmed that there was an investigation into the looting of inputs, but she could not reveal the finer details.
“Yes, investigations are underway, but I don’t know you, so I cannot talk to you over the phone,” she said before hanging up.
Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial secretary for labour and production Cde Chrispen Kadoza castigated rogue elements which were preying on inputs.
“Yes, as the provincial secretary for labour and production also based in Banket, I was briefed that some culprits from the party had grabbed 20 bags of fertiliser from GMB officials during the distribution of inputs,” he said.
“I had to make a formal report to the GMB manager who then made a report to the police. A case has since been opened at Banket Police Station.”
A police officer stationed at Banket Police Station last week said a case of theft of Presidential inputs had been opened against Zanu-PF members Danmore Zinzanyika and Sydney Mudereki under case number CR4/ 01 /18.
The duo allegedly stole 20 bags of fertiliser.
Investigations carried out by The Herald over the past month reveal that some Agritex officers in Mashonaland West are demanding livestock — mostly goats — and money from farmers so that they can benefit from the Command Agriculture programme.
The Agritex workers are reportedly conniving to create artificial shortages of inputs in order to conveniently sell them on black market. It is also understood that procedures on processing contracts are not being properly followed.
Since November 2017, farmers have been complaining about continued delays of inputs and the cumbersome process involved in signing the contracts.
Though the farming season has progressed, some farmers have not yet received seed and fertilisers.
“We are having a strong challenge this season compared to last year when we received inputs on time,” said a Chinhoyi farmer who elected to remain anonymous for fear of being victimised.
“Some of us don’t have money to buy seed and fertilisers. In Midlands, farmers last week applauded Government for timely distribution of inputs, but here, it is a different scenario.
“I signed the contract forms during the first week of October 2017 and I was supposed to receive a copy of the contract, but up to now there is no response from the Agritex offices in Chinhoyi. The response I am always getting is that they are still processing the papers and they will call me once they are done.
“What is shocking is that I know of farmers who got contracts way after me, but have started benefiting.”
Mr Anusa Maripa, another displeased farmer, said there was potential to increase agricultural output if Agritex officers had not bungled the distribution of farming inputs.
“Command yield had the potential to surpass even last year’s bumper harvest, if we had received inputs on time,” he said.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Cde Webster Shamu has often expressed displeasure in the manner in which Agritex officers were distributing the inputs.
“We have received numerous complaints that some farmers are failing to get inputs after working hours and others were being harassed at the Agritex offices,” he said.
“This should end. We will make sure that we put in place mechanisms that everyone benefits from the Presidential Inputs Support Scheme and Command Agriculture inputs.”
Online Reporter