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Mr Khumalo said the Government should also provide farmers with indicative prices of cash crops for next year so as to motivate them to grow commercial crops.
“Farmers should know the projected international market prices for cash crops so that they can anticipate profits likely to be made from their cash crops,” he said.
He added that farmers need to appreciate and fully utilise the inputs made available under President Mugabe’s $20 million scheme and drought-tolerant seeds from non-governmental organisations.
“We have noted that farmers are facing challenges deterring a bumper harvest which include insufficient draught power this farming season since most of their livestock especially cattle and donkeys are thin due to the negative effects of drought.
“There is also the lack of funds to purchase farming inputs like fertilizer noting that most of the Matabeleland region is characterised by infertile soil,” said Mr Khumalo.
He appealed to the District Development Fund to avail tractors to farmers so they can commence planting as soon as possible. He said many farmers cannot plough using their cattle or donkeys as the herd in Matabeleland, particularly Matabeleland South, is only recovering after months of lack of feed and water.
He urged the Meteorological Services Department to provide farmers with expected rainfall schedules so they can plan more accurately.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter