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Commercial tobacco, grain and cereal producers are expected to be among the beneficiaries.
In an interview last week, ZCFU director Mr Phillip Tauyanago said about US$10 million worth of inputs would be channelled towards tobacco farming; US$15 million towards grain and cereal production while the remainder would be channelled towards horticulture.
He said the inputs, comprising chemicals, seedlings and fertilisers, would be directed to commercial farmers who are yet to receive financial support.
“The inputs are going to be distributed as we prepare for the summer season which only begins a few weeks from now,” he said. Farmers will be advised on when to collect the inputs as we are still finalising the finer details of shipping and storing the inputs.”
The ZCFU secured the loan facility as part of efforts to boost this year’s agricultural yields. This came as most farmers complained that the season looked bleak because Government was yet to make input schemes available.
Mr Tauyanago said the facility would help farmers prepare for the forthcoming season.
“We secured the facility to ensure our farmers prepare for the season on time. Experts have already predicted that the country will receive normal to above-normal rainfall this season,” he said.
“We, therefore, want to ensure we are well prepared at the onset of the rains.’’ Mr Tauyanago said while the union had played its part, more work was still required to ensure the success of the season.”
He said the farmer representative body was still looking forward to receiving Government assistance by way of subsidies.
He said the prices of the inputs under the ZCFU scheme would be lower than those obtaining on the market. He would, however, not be drawn into revealing the prices.
“We are going to ensure that only real farmers access these inputs. We will follow up to establish whether or not the inputs would have been put to good use,” he said. It is sad to note that the banking sector continues to ignore calls by stakeholders to provide long-term loans to farmers.
He said a lack of finance does not augur well for the season. He highlighted the need for Government to ensure farmers access lines of credit.- Sunday Mail Agriculture editor
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