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In an interview on the sidelines of the union’s 72nd annual congress in Bulawayo, ZFU president Mr Silas Hungwe said although they had not been consulted, the allocation was a good starting point.
But he said owing to the increased number of farmers, the funds would not be enough to cater for everyone.
“I understand Government has set aside funds for farmers but we are yet to see or receive them. We appreciate and accept the fund but it is not enough though it is a starting point,” he said.
He said they wanted more than the $150 million that had been set aside as their intention was to see production increase.
“If the funds are availed we hope they will go a long way as there are many challenges we have to take care of even though we wanted more. Our intention this year is to see production increase that is why we are encouraging farmers to plant small grain crops,” said Mr Hungwe.
ZFU executive director Mr Paul Zakariya said he hoped the funds would be availed on time to allow farmers to plan ahead.
“Nothing has been availed so far but we hope the plans will go through. It is also our wish to see the finance minister honouring his word because farmers have to plan ahead and the time is now as the rainy season is fast approaching,” he said.
“We are not even sure if the funds are available or not and whether they are going to be loans or buy inputs but we are going to push for them to be availed soon.
“This time we do not want any talk of drought that is why we are promoting livestock and small grain productivity for sustainable food security.”
The Government is working on a $150 million facility to finance the upcoming 2012/13 agricultural season.
In the past farmer unions and farmers have castigated the Government over its failure to adequately fund the sector, which used to be the backbone of the economy.
Finance Minister Tendai Biti said of the facility, about $60 million was earmarked to pay debts owed to seed houses and fertiliser companies.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter