adminLuthando Mapepa
FARMERS in Chipinge have called for a speedy availing of inputs under the Presidential Agricultural Input Scheme. With the onset of the rainy season this week, farmers have hit the ground running, but the high costs of inputs have dampened most farmers’ morale. An A2 farmer, Mr Lazarus Dube, said Government should avail farming inputs on time to ensure that farmers capitalise on the current wet spell.
“We expect farmers to have inputs by now. Last season we received these inputs well after we had finished planting and we do not want a repeat of last year. The delays mean farmers will be left with no option but to grow whatever variety they can afford,” he said.
Another farmer, Mr Tainos Mlambo, said availing of inputs on time could help enhance agricultural productivity.
He commended Government’s efforts to help farmers, especially small-scale farmers with inputs.
“We do not have cash to buy inputs. We want uniformity in terms of the prices so that unscrupulous people will not rip off innocent and desperate farmers. If inputs are availed on time and rains do not fail us we will have another bumper harvest,” he said. Mr David Dhliwayo, a farmer in Middle Sabi, called for close supervision of the distribution process to ensure that the inputs reach their intended recipients. “We are urging Government to task Agritex officers and farmers union to assist in distributing the inputs to ensure transparency. The intended beneficiaries should benefit, not conmen who will channel the inputs to the black market where they will be sold at exorbitant prices,” he said. A check by The Manica Post reveals that Government has already engaged various stakeholders in Chipinge District to compile names of the beneficiaries through the District Administrator’s office.
An official from Chipinge GMB Depot who requested anonymity said they were expecting delivery of the inputs this week.
Last week, Government announced that it had acquired inputs worth $20 million under the Presidential Agricultural Inputs Scheme, which will benefit 1,6 million households this farming season.
Each household will receive 50kg of ammonium nitrate, 50kg of compound D fertiliser and 10kg of seed maize.
Online Reporter