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HARARE – Soya bean seed production is set to hit a record low this year due to lack of financial support for farmers and delayed payments by the government to seed houses, an official has said.Zimbabwe Seed Trade Association Chairman Walter Chigodora said lack of viable markets for soya bean seed was also contributing to the fall in production.
But the main factor was huge government debts to seed houses for farming inputs procured under various state assistance programmes for farmers.
“Production of soya bean seed is estimated to hit a low record of 5,000 tons this year from 6,650 tons last year as the sector is poorly financed,” he said.
He said the price of seed had not changed this season, yet the uptake of seed is slow still mainly due to lack of funds by farmers. – New Ziana.
derick.khumalo