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Precious Manomano Herald Reporter
Farmers have commended the Government for the early distribution of inputs, saying this will improve their preparedness and ensure early planting.
They have also implored the Government to ensure farmers access adequate packages of inputs to ensure that they do not meet challenges in their operations.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union secretary general Mr Paul Zakariya said it was commendable that farmers had started taking delivery of inputs early.
He urged farmers to wait for enough moisture and plant their crops adding that adequate inputs packages will facilitate the smooth flow of farming.
“Distribution of inputs to farmers is in progress throughout the country. All is flowing well and farmers must finish off their land preparations so that they wait for enough moisture to continue with their work. We are grateful that farmers are getting their inputs on time so that they start early. This shows readiness for the farming season. Farmers are getting information on the process of inputs distribution,” he said.
Over 10 000 tonnes of maize seed and 50 000 tonnes of fertiliser have been distributed under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa scheme and Government has assured farmers that they will get sufficient inputs before the beginning of the rainy season.
The Government will this year distribute agricultural inputs under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme to match the agro-ecological regions to ensure optimum production and guarantee food security for the country.
Pfumvudza, the climate-proofed Presidential Input Scheme, introduced in President Mnangagwa’s Second Republic has been hailed as an inclusive game changer benefiting vulnerable households in communal, A1, small scale commercial farming and old resettlement sectors in producing cereals, oil seeds and legumes.
Mrs Maggy Murambiwa of Marondera thanked the Government for timeous distribution of Pfumvudza inputs adding that this has benefited vulnerable groups who struggled to make ends meet.
“We are grateful for this noble initiative which will go a long way in sustaining families. Government has rescued many households. We are grateful for this support. Getting inputs on time will mean a good harvest ahead of us,” she said.
Mrs Babara Mataire of Mazowe said she is grateful to receive inputs on time adding that she is hoping to increase hectares so as to achieve a bumper harvest the following season,” she said.
Mr Chamunorwa of Banket said Government’s commitment need to be appreciated as it symbolises great hope in the next season.
“This is commendable effort made by Government. We are likely to achieve a bumper harvest in the following season since we get our inputs on time,” he said.
Statistics also revealed that more than 2,3million farmers across the country have so far been trained on conservation agriculture,
Land preparations for the 2022-23 season are under way in most parts of the country and the communal sector showing an overwhelming response to the conservation farming technique.
Good rains which were predicted by Meteorological department and the massive roll out of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme will increase the country’s food self-sufficiency levels and food security.
Online Reporter