Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THE distribution of Pfumvudza inputs and the planting of summer crops have gained momentum nationwide, with farmers expressing optimism about the upcoming season despite soaring inputs prices.
However, authorities have issued a stern warning to farmers to be on lookout of fraudsters peddling counterfeit products on the black market.
In Manicaland, the recent rains prompted farmers to commence planting, with the Provincial Pfvumvudza launch scheduled to take place in Chigodora today (Friday). The Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza will preside over the launch.
Provincial Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDS) director, Mr Nhamo Mudada advised farmers whose areas have received 25mm of rainfall within three days to initiate planting, stressing the importance of seeking expert guidance from extension officers.
“We are having our Provincial Pfumvudza Launch tomorrow (Saturday) at Chigodora village. The inputs are coming from Harare and are being distributed to Grain Marketing Board depots dotted across the province. We are receiving seed maize, fertilisers, cotton seed, small grain seed and herbicides. We have given some depots the green light to start distributing some of the inputs to the farmers.
“Manicaland started receiving the rains last week, and once an area receives above 25mm in three days, then the farmers should start planting. So we are encouraging those who have received adequate rains to start planting. We are also advising farmers to stagger their planting and avoid once-off planting so that they will have a buffer in the eventuality of a dry spell.
“Farmers are also being advised to buy inputs from reputable suppliers to avoid being duped by con artists who sell fake products. Farmers should buy from licensed seed and inputs dealers. Fake inputs will lead farmers to experience massive losses through low or no yields at all. Farmers should work closely with extension officers and get proper advice on which seed variety to grow in their areas, and where to source approved seed from,” said Mr Mudada.
Headlands farmer, Mr Ray Sakutukwa has already planted nine hectares from his target of 20ha, but bemoaned the high cost of inputs, which he said will result in many farmers revising their targeted planting area.
“Here in Headlands, we received good rains for the past week and there was a day when we received 22mm. We have already started planting maize, and so far we have planted nine hectares. We hope to plant above 20 hectares this season.
“We are self-financing our operations, and prices of inputs are on the steep side, with Compound D averaging around US$31, while top-dressing fertilizer is going for US$38, which is ridiculous. A 25kg of seed maize, which is enough for a hectare, is ranging between US$104 and US$141, depending on the supplier.
“Inputs are available on the market, but prices are high, especially for top-dressing. The high prices will eat into the farmer’s profitability. Some farmers may apply below the required amounts of fertilisers or not apply at all, thereby affecting the yields. We have an irrigation system to supplement the rainfall, but our challenge is that our water sources, a river and boreholes, do not have enough water as last year we received low rainfall. The water last year was enough to sustain the crops, but did not raise the water table,” said Mr Sakutukwa.
Mr Jonathan Nemaire, of Chinyika East in Headlands, said most small-scale farmers are patiently waiting for the distribution of Pfumvudza inputs by the Government to start planting.
“People here have started planting their self-financed maize following the rains received. We feel the ground is wet enough to allow germination. I am planning to plant 10 hectares this season. We have not yet received inputs from the Government which will supplement what we already have. The prices of inputs on the open market are steep and most small-scale farmers are finding the going tough. They are eagerly waiting for the Government issued inputs,” said Mr Nemaire.
