Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
The Government has commenced the distribution of Presidential Inputs Scheme seeds to all Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots across the country, with fertiliser deliveries expected to begin next week, the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Masuka, has revealed.
The move is part of a race against time to ensure farmers receive critical inputs before the onset of the rainy season.
However, Minister Masuka said this year’s Presidential Inputs Scheme will be strictly for rural farmers, excluding those in urban areas.
Speaking in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Dr Masuka outlined the distribution timeline, noting a slight delay with fertiliser.
“We have begun delivering various types of seed to all Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots, and we expect that the full distribution will be completed this month
“Although we are currently behind schedule with fertiliser deliveries, we anticipate that distribution will begin next week. The fertiliser will be delivered to GMB depots and subsequently distributed to villagers through committees led by local leaders, councillors and traditional authorities,” said Dr Masuka.
To safeguard the programme, the Government is introducing a card-based system to ensure inputs reach only legitimate beneficiaries.
With the Meteorological Services Department forecasting a dry and hot October, followed by rains in November, the ministry is working towards a clear deadline.
“Our goal is to ensure that all inputs are delivered before the onset of the rains in November and December,” said Dr Masuka.
Minister Masuka said urban farmers will not benefit from the scheme this season, reversing a temporary measure enacted during last year’s severe drought.
He clarified that the President’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind is to be implemented within the confines of the country’s land-use policy.
“Agriculture is designated for agricultural zones. Urban areas are primarily residential and do not accommodate farming activities. In Zimbabwe, we have established that urban agriculture is not permitted, as farming should take place on land specifically allocated for agricultural purposes, not within urban settlements,” he said.
He recalled that last year’s extension of inputs to peri-urban areas was a direct response to an extraordinary drought.
This year, the programme will revert to its standard practice.
“As his (President Mnangagwa) Minister, I have outlined the official policy: urban areas will not receive Presidential inputs this year. The exception granted last year was due to an extraordinary drought,” he said.
“This year, the inputs will be strictly allocated to the three million rural beneficiaries. Anyone residing in an urban area who wishes to benefit must be located in designated agricultural zones, namely, communal lands, A1 resettlement areas, or small-scale farming areas. These are the targeted zones for the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme this season.”
Bongani Ndlovu