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Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri has expressed satisfaction with the rate of fertiliser production at Fertiliser, Seed, Grain (FSG) in Bindura.
Speaking after touring the company’s plant yesterday, Professor Jiri said the country is prepared for the summer cropping season and is now waiting for the rainy season.
Currently, there are over 15 000 tonnes of fertiliser stored at various Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots across the country and distribution to farmers is expected to commence next week.
“We are aiming for 2 million hectares of cereals. For the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, we are targeting 300 000 tonnes of Compound D and top-dressing fertiliser,” he said.
“Additionally, we need 30 000 tonnes of cotton blend for the ARDA programme, and about 40 000 tonnes of fertiliser is required. We have enough fertiliser to support these programmes.”
FSG general manager, Mr Sean Durrad said they are ready to fulfil the requirements of Cottco, the Presidential Inputs Programme, commercial farmers, and the retail sector.
He said the company has 45 000 tonnes of raw materials awaiting distribution.
“We can blend 1 500 tonnes per day, and this depends on the support that comes from the ministry,” he said.
“We have a significant amount of the product on-site, and considering the recent drought, we understand the urgency of delivering the product to GMB and the farms.”
Online Reporter