Take advantage of agric loan facility: farmers urged

The Government combined the new scheme with the $30 million and the $40 million input schemes for all farmers countrywide.
The inputs will be accessed at subsidised prices as farmers will be buying on credit a 10kg pocket of maize at $15 and a 50kg bag of Basal fertiliser at the same price.
Top dressing fertiliser will also be accessed at $15 for a 50kg bag.

In an interview yesterday, Bulawayo and Matabeleland North Agritex officer, Mr Dumisani Nyoni said farmers could continue planting maize up to the end of January.
“Farmers would have been happier if the decision had been made earlier, but the planting season is within the window period for farmers to produce adequate food.
“This year, we experienced a late start to the season and the weather forecast indicated that the country would receive normal to above normal rainfall. This gives us the confidence to advise farmers to continue planting,” said Mr Nyoni.

However, Mr Nyoni advised farmers to buy only short-season varieties which mature between 115 and 120 days.
“Those who have finished planting should buy fertiliser, especially top dressing, to avoid leaching  in case of excessive rainfall.
“Farmers at irrigation schemes can plant medium season varieties because they can still water their crops when it stops raining,” said Mr Nyoni.

He also urged farmers to weed their crops and apply chemicals in th event of pests.
“Farmers should make use of their inputs and protect their crops from damage through weeding, on time and appplying chemicals in the event of pests.

“Where farmers are not clear, they should approach Agritex officers who are always there to help them,” said Mr Noyni.
He said farmers started purchasing the inputs from the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) on credit on Friday last week.

The Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Joseph Made said the ministry decided to combine the three input schemes into one after consultations with Acting President Joice Mujuru.
He said farmers will be served on a first come, first served basis and urged Agritex officers to make sure that farmers practise proper agronomic practices that will enhance productivity from the availed inputs.