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Blessings Chidakwa-Herald Reporter
Almost 6 million plots have been prepared under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Presidential agriculture climate-proofing input support scheme, with over 40 000 tonnes of basal fertiliser distributed so far as the Government moves to support farmers, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said yesterday.
Briefing the media, Dr Muswere said Cabinet received an update on the forthcoming summer crops marketing and food security outlook to March next year, and the results of this year’s winter crops production.
He said the report, together with that of summer crops production plan, was presented by Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka.
“A total 5,9 million plots, translating to 63 percent of the target, have been prepared under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Presidential agriculture climate-proofing input support scheme by 64 percent of the targeted farmers,” he said.
“Technical teams have been dispatched to the provinces to expedite plot preparation. To date, over 40 000 tonnes of basal fertiliser out of the targeted 90 000 tonnes are now at GMB depots ahead of the 2024-2025 Summer Planting Season launch in Buhera tomorrow (today).”
To further help farmers in planning for the season, Government issued planning, pre-planting and marketing crop prices at appropriate periods of the season.
“Accordingly, the pre-planting prices of maize, traditional grains and sunflower will be issued later this October and, for the first-time ever, a cotton pre-planting price will also be announced.
“The summer plan aims to increase cereal production to 3 274 200 tonnes. Overall production volumes of the major crops are expected to increase to 4 093 700 tonnes,” said Dr Muswere.
The private sector, which was expected to import all urban and stock feed requirements to March 2025, had brought in 812 165 tonnes of grain since April this year.
“The Ministry has issued 807 import permits to 420 companies to import 4 131 260 tonnes of maize to March 2025, against an estimated deficit of 1 million tonnes.
“The issuance of import permits, four times the estimated deficit has stabilised prices and eliminated arbitrage opportunities,” he said.
Current stocks of maize, wheat and traditional grains in the Strategic Grain Reserve stood at 228 712 tonnes, sufficient to last till January next year.
A total of 372 000 tonnes of grain was required to feed the rural people in need to March next year at 7,5kg per person per month, while primary school learners would require 55 408 tonnes to April 2025 under the Schools Feeding Programme.
Dr Muswere said the shortfall of 199 432.54 tonnes would be met from the projected 240 000 tonnes winter wheat harvest surplus on annual requirements, and Government grain imports.
Online Reporter