Farmers start land preps

Conrad Mupesa Herald Correspondent
Farmers in most parts of Mashonaland West Province have started land preparations ahead of the 2017 /2018 cropping season.  The farmers are optimistic of another successful season if inputs are availed on time. Some said they failed to achieve their maximum potential last season as they prepared the land late. Others managed to prepare their land soon after harvesting their summer crop when the soils were still moist.

“I managed to prepare part of my land in winter soon after harvesting, right now I am clearing the rest of my arable 20-hectare plot,” said Mr Rangarirai Takawira from Makonde District. I am now waiting for Command Agriculture inputs since late maturing varieties do well here.” Some were allocated farming land late last year and could not fully utilise it owing to time.

“Most farmers around Ponderosa area in Mhangura, who were allocated land last year failed to prepare the land in time as they received the land late. They even failed to get financial assistance,” said Mr Richard Kandeya, a beneficiary. Some farmers are settled on farms, but do not have offer letters, making it difficult for them to access loans from banks.

“We failed to access Command Agriculture inputs last year because we did not have offer letters which are required to access the inputs,” said Chakari farmer Ms Mabble Chiwariro. Farmers have also bemoaned the increase in fertiliser prices. The prices ranged from $30 to $32 for Compound D last season, but it is being sold for around $40 at some centres.