dyton mupawaenda
Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter
Government has availed US$234 million for agricultural inputs for the 2023/24 summer cropping season to vulnerable households under the Agriculture Input Support Scheme (Pfumvudza/Intwasa) targeting 1,1 million hectares under cereal and oil seeds production.
As at 20 November, the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) had received about 10 742 tonnes of seed, of which 7 044 tonnes was distributed to farmers.
On fertilisers, the GMB received 65 672 tonnes and distributed 50 016 tonnes to farmers.
The programme targets to support 3,5 million households, including 500 000 urbanites.
To mitigate the negative impact of anticipated El Nino induced drought, distribution of inputs packages for various crops such maize, small grains and oil seeds are being tailored to agro ecological regions.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the process of distribution of inputs was moving smoothly, adding that the only problem were those people who abuse inputs.
“The process is flowing well from suppliers to the Grain Marketing Board until it reaches the ward,” he said.
“We encourage farmers to use the inputs well, do not abuse them because they are for your own benefit. We are happy that farmers are doing well in preparing Pfumvudza plots.
“More than 9,5million plots have so far been established and we are happy that this uptake will ensure food security in the country.”
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers’ Union (ZCFU) president Dr Shadreck Makombe said no major challenges are on the ground, adding that the process was done in a transparent manner.
“The programme is moving well but there were complaints that transport was a bit challenging to other areas but the situation is now under control because it was resolved. What I can say now is farmers are grateful to continue receiving such good support from the Government,’’ he said.
Pfumvudza, the climate-proofed Presidential Input Scheme, introduced in President Mnangagwa’s Second Republic has been hailed as an inclusive game-changer benefiting vulnerable households in communal, A1, small scale commercial farming and old resettlement sectors in producing cereals, oil seeds and legumes.
Mrs Marry Tsuminga of Mazowe said she was waiting for the rains to start planting.
“We are grateful for the support. I am expecting a good harvest this season if we get rains on time. This year’s distribution of inputs was a welcome development to most farmers. We hail the Government’s effort of accelerating distribution of inputs,” she said.
Mr Taurai Magomo of Mutorashanga said the Government’s efforts to sustain families were greatly appreciated.
“We are thankful for the speedy distribution of inputs. We believe most farmers are going to use the inputs well so that we achieve good outputs which are essential for ensuring food security,” he said.
To ensure transparency and efficient distribution of inputs, the Government has put in place monitoring measures to promote accountability and transparency in the use of public resources.
Government used to support commercial farmers under the National Enhanced Agriculture Productivity Scheme (NEAPS), through extending guarantees to commercial banks.
However, due to high levels of defaulters and unwillingness by farmers to deliver produce to the GMB, Government has reviewed this financing model to give room to a more commercialised approach led by private financial institutions.
During the upcoming 2023/24 agriculture season, the Government is only extending partial guarantees to AFC and NMB, while the rest of the financial institutions participating in the programme will use their own financial resources.
This is part of the agriculture financing reform to reduce the burden on the fiscus and letting the financial sector play its role.
Online Reporter