adminCharity Ruzvidzo Business Reporter
SEED houses have increased their stocks ahead of the 2014/15 farming season with farmers buying inputs in preparation for cropping. A snap survey conducted by Business Chronicle in Bulawayo yesterday revealed that agro-dealers and seed houses had already positioned themselves for business by availing inputs on time.
Seed-Co managing director, Martha Anderson, said farmers had started buying seed and fertiliser in anticipation of rains.
“The good harvests we received this year encouraged us to increase our stocks. Last season we ran out of seed and fertiliser. This season we are prepared.
“Farmers should produce more again this year and we have already taken the initiative towards that goal,” she said.
Anderson said the pricing of seeds and fertiliser had not changed from last season.
“Ammonium nitrate is $5 for 5kg and $10 for 10kg, monkey brand is going for $23 for 10kg. However, Compound D fertiliser which was going for $35 last season is now $32,” she said.
National Tested Seeds assistant administrator Frank Stoddart said they were anticipating good rains this season.
“The only disappointment farmers might encounter this season could be poor rains. As a seed company we’ve overstocked in preparation for this farming season,” he said.
Farm and City supervisor, Thenjiwe Kariza, said farmers were also buying farm implements and chemicals.
“Farmers are buying ploughs, sprayers, groundnut shellers and chemicals. They seem optimistic about this coming farming season,” she said.
Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union president Wonder Chabikwa confirmed farmers had already begun preparations.
“Since the Grain Marketing Board started buying maize at $390 farmers were encouraged to produce even more this season because the prices make them viable,” he said.
Chabikwa encouraged seed houses to advise farmers on the right seeds to buy.
“Seed houses should assist farmers to buy the appropriate seed and fertiliser. They should offer advice to farmers in order to ensure that we meet our goal of good yields,” he said.
Chabikwa also applauded the Meteorological Services Department for the early release of the seasonal rainfall forecast saying farmers would prepare adequately.
The country is expected to receive normal to above normal rains on average with southern parts set to receive normal to below normal rainfall.
Online Reporter