adminIn an interview, she said most farmers did not have inputs.
“Most farmers in the Matabeleland region have begun to till their land in preparation for the coming farming season. Some have already sourced funds to purchase fuel to power tractors.
“Farmers in the region should introduce new crops which are drought-resistant like red Swazi sorghum and cotton so as to improve output and production,” said Mrs Maphenduka.
She said farmers were in negotiations with Chibuku Breweries to become contract farmers and produce sorghum for the liquor company. Sorghum is used in the production of opaque beer as well as Eagle lager.
“We appeal to Government to assist us by providing farming inputs at an early stage. Climate change has affected the southern region a lot thus we usually experience erratic rainfall supplies. Financial aid is also needed for sourcing fuel to be used by tractors,” said Mrs Maphenduka.
She said ZFCU had held a two-month programme to educate farmers on business farming around the Bubi district.
“The educational programme was aimed at educating farmers on how to turn farms into a family business so as to eradicate poverty and ensure food security in the nation.
“Most of the farmers received certificates upon completion of the educational programme. We hope they will put the skills they acquired into practice,” said Mrs Maphenduka.
She appealed to Government to assist farmers in the region by drilling boreholes to alleviate the effects of dry spells since cattle were dying and livelihoods of farmers were threatened.
“The Government should come up with a long-term plan to eradicate the effects of drought through availing inputs and funds through credit loans with arrangements of a four- to five-month payment plan,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to Government for assisting Tsholotsho district with stockfeed in the drought-stricken area as herds were declining at a rapid rate.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter