Online Reporter
Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter
GOVERNMENT has initiated the distribution of summer inputs under the Presidential Input Programme (PIP) to ensure early preparation for the season and food security countrywide.
The programme enhances access to inputs for millions of smallholder farmers, enabling them to maximise production.
This comes as the Government is finalising the distribution of winter wheat inputs across various provinces, a critical step to ensure that farmers can complete their planting on schedule.
Reports indicate that farmers have already sown over 70 000 hectares of winter wheat, achieving half of the targeted 120 000 hectares set for this planting season.
During a visit to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) and Valley Seeds facilities last week, it was clear that efforts to conclude the distribution of winter inputs are well underway.
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), chief director Mr Leonard Munamati, provided insights into the ongoing initiatives.
He noted that to date, Government has successfully distributed 1 420 tonnes of seed and over 2 746 tonnes of Compound D fertilisers under the PIP.
Mr Munamati emphasised the urgency of the situation saying that farmers should participate in the distribution of the inputs so that they finish planting on time.
“We are encouraging farmers to wind up their plantings. Under the PIP and the irrigation schemes, we have a total of 20 000 hectares we should plant. We are urging farmers to be innovative and proactive in collecting their inputs from GMB. They should not wait for deliveries, as we are behind schedule, and it is encouraging to see farmers from irrigation schemes coming forward to collect their supplies. “Our message to the GMB depots is clear: fertilisers must not be kept in storage; they should be delivered directly to the farmers as soon as they arrive,” he said.
The perspective of local farmers is equally significant in assessing the programme’s impact.
Thomas Nyamakura, a farmer from the Frascart irrigation scheme in Goromonzi, expressed his appreciation for the Government’s assistance, highlighting its crucial role in alleviating hunger.
“We are immensely grateful for the inputs provided to us. Without this support, our efforts would be significantly hindered. We have access to abundant water resources, and with the right inputs, we are optimistic that this year we will perform better than in previous years,” he stated.
In addition to the efforts of government agencies, private sector involvement is vital for ensuring a smooth transition into the summer planting season.
Valley Seeds, Business Director Mr Tichaona Maponga, assured stakeholders of adequate seed availability for both winter and summer seasons.
“Soon we will have completed our winter seed distribution, and we will shifting our focus to the summer season. We are currently packing sunflower seeds earmarked for summer planting. Our goal is to eliminate any gaps in seed availability. We extend our gratitude to the government for their unwavering support, and we are confident that we can manage the distribution effectively. While we may encounter some challenges with white sorghum, we are fortunate that a substantial amount of sunflower was grown locally this year, allowing us to begin the planting season on a strong note,” he said.
As the country moves forward with these agricultural initiatives, the commitment to enhancing food security remains a top priority. The collaboration between Government bodies, local farmers, and private enterprises is essential in creating a resilient agricultural sector capable of meeting the needs of the population.
