adminafflict the sector.
Inadequate funding of the agriculture sector has prevented the country from achieving food security as farmers always find it difficult to secure agricultural inputs.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers’ Union vice president Ms Maidei Maswi said the policy would also ensure that agricultural inputs were affordable and accessible.
“The policy should also state the Government position on subsidies, because at the moment local farmers cannot compete with others in the region due to high production costs,” she said.
Ms Maswi said the debate on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) should also be rested in the policy.
“Other countries in the region have since adopted GMOs and we urge the Government to be clear on this. The success story of GMOs is clear in the region,” she said.
She said the policy should also address the issue of 99-year leases, which are not currently bankable.
Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union director Mr Paul Zakariya said currently the country did not have an agriculture policy.
“Financing agriculture should not be taken as if someone is doing us a favour. We want farming to be taken as proper business,” he said.
Meanwhile, the farmers’ unions said preparations for the 2011/12 cropping season were in full swing although some farmers were failing to purchase inputs.
“Land preparations are going on well although the rains delayed,” said Mr Zakariya.
Ms Maswi concurred with Mr Zakariya saying most parts of the country had received rains.
“We hope the various schemes on the ground will assist those who are failing to buy inputs,” he said. – New Ziana.
Online Reporter