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seed and fertilizers through a stop order system.
Seed companies such as Seed Co, Pannar, Pioneer and ZFC – through the Zimbabwe Farmers Union – are also offering fertilizers and chemicals on credit.
Speaking at the launch of an input scheme between the Zimbabwe National Army and Seed Co at KGVI yesterday, Seed Co managing director, Mr Denias Zaranyika, said his company was including the uniformed forces in the schemes.
“We realised we cannot leave people whose core business is security. Therefore, we felt that a combination of us as a primary source of food security and the army as a primary source of national
security we can come together to provide national food security,” said Mr Zaranyika.
The programme has also been extended to the Zimbabwe Republic Police and Zimbabwe Prison Service officers.
Mr Zaranyika said it was important that since the country had become self sufficient in terms of seed supplies, farmers should on the other hand work hard to “turn the seed into grain”.
“We used to import seed but in three years we have become self sufficient and this should be seen in grain production,” he said.
ZNA, Chief of Staff, Major General Martin Chedondo hailed the relationship between the army and input suppliers which he said was strategic in ensuring national food security.
“The army is not only for defending the nation using weapons but also ensuring food security at both household and national levels,’ he said.
He encouraged Zimbabweans to be productive to avoid depending on food donations. “We should not depend on donations but should produce our own food and in that way we maintain national peace,” he said. Maj Gen Chedondo said it was improper for rural folk to get food from people in urban areas as the situation should be vice versa.
“You should take the seed to your parents in the communal areas. They look forward to you for the provision of farming inputs not mealie meal. You should instead get food from the communal areas,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Fertilizer Company in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Farmers Union and Public Service Association have launched a fertilizer scheme to benefit civil servants.
Beneficiaries will get fertilizers and chemicals in advance and pay through a stop order system over six months.
ZFU director Mr Paul Zakariya said input schemes were meant to cushion civil servants from high input costs.
Farmers have always raised concern over the non-availability of affordable inputs, which has affected the agriculture industry.
The input suppliers have confirmed that there has been a massive response from civil servants.
Online Reporter