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Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
Preparations for the summer cropping season that opens in a few moths have seen most farmers already procuring seed and preparing the land while tobacco farmers are currently sowing seedbeds.
Farmers have high expectations since the Government has set a conducive environment for a successful forthcoming summer cropping season through capacitation of extension services staff and early distribution of inputs to farmers. This is also the best time for farmers to secure their inputs.
Government has increased traditional grain and maize production with inputs for the Pfumvudza programme being distributed according to agro ecological zones to ensure optimised production for every natural region.
Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Dr John Basera said Government is geared for the summer season. Inputs distribution has already started to pave a way for a successful summer season.
“We are ready for the summer cropping season. This summer we are targeting to plant 2 million hectares of maize and 0,7 million hectares of traditional grains. We are ready as the Government and input distribution of the Presidential input scheme has started, and indeed for all the other programmes, because we want a successful summer. We also have to be ready and gear ourselves,” he said.
Government targeting a cereal production of 3,7 million tonnes to ensure national food and nutrition security. Basically farmers grow enough for their own family sustenance plus a surplus for sale and which goes on to feed the non-farming families.
Experts also urged farmers to prepare adequately for inputs such as seeds and fertilisers and to consider other agronomic practices such as weeding. Farmers might need to consider herbicides to control weeds.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president Dr Shadreck Makombe said farmers must prepare adequately for the upcoming season to maximise production and boost their incomes.
“Farmers must adequately prepare so that they produce good results to realise good harvest so that Zimbabwe remains food self-sufficient. Inputs should be secured on time,” he said.
Tobacco Farmers Union Trust president Mr Victor Mariranyika urged growers to buy inputs on time and work very hard to maximise production in the next season. The costs of production had to be factored into final sale prices so their costs are covered and their profit margins remain unchanged.
He urged growers to work hard and achieve sustainable development.
“Preparations are underway although some farmers are finding it difficult to acquire inputs because of exorbitant prices charged by some suppliers. However, we encourage farmers to continue working hard so that they continue sustaining themselves. Most farmers are waiting to receive the Pfumvudza scheme programme.”
Mr Dune said farmers are well prepared this year and there has been an increase in hectarage in the crops to be planted this season. Soil conservation techniques such as construction of contours and storm drains are encouraged during this season.
Farmers were also warned to watch out for livestock diseases and urged to stock up on dipping chemicals and ensure consistent dipping.
The seed industry has assured the country that it has adequate seed stocks to meet demand in the forthcoming summer cropping season for both state assisted programmes and the commercial sector.
Farmers were encouraged to buy early to avoid the last minute rush.
Agriculture is the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, employing the largest number of people, and contributing immensely to gross domestic product.
The very large number of families involved mean that programmes to switch subsistance farmers to growing enough for their own needs and for sale, making them commercial farmers, is the driver of rural development as cash is pumped into the rural economies.
The sector provides employment and incomes directly and indirectly for about 70 percent of the population, supplies 65 percent of the raw materials required by local industries and makes a significant contribution to total export earnings, with tobacco the third largest export after gold and platinum group metals.
Agriculture is also key in the pursuit of growth of the rural economy as the sector is up to four times more powerful at reducing poverty than any other sector.
In fact, agriculture is the Vision 2030 accelerator; meaning getting agriculture right presents great opportunities for inclusive rural industrialisation, transformation and economic development.
Online Reporter