Zimpapers Logo

Prosper Ndlovu Senior Reporter
FARMERS have applauded the Government for unveiling the $161 million 2013/14 agricultural input support scheme, saying the intervention was done on time and gives them enthusiasm to start preparing for planting. Almost $1 billion has been poured into agriculture this season to support crop and livestock production as Zimbabwe works to reclaim its status as the regional bread basket. Banks have mobilised $720 million to support agriculture.

The $161 million input support programme, announced on Wednesday, is meant to benefit a total of 1, 6 million communal, old resettled, small scale and A1 farmers.

In separate interviews yesterday, representatives of farmers’ organisations, traditional leaders and individuals said the unveiling of funding for inputs was proof that the new Zanu-PF Government was committed to fulfilling the promises it made to the electorate in the run up to the elections.

“The whole of Zimbabwe is happy about what our Government has done. We are beginning to see the fulfilment of what President Mugabe promised to the people,” said Mr Abdul Nyathi, the deputy president of the Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU).

“We never thought Government would intervene this early. This really gives us enthusiasm to take our preparations for planting seriously.
“Farmers all over the country are elated by this timely action. We urge farmers to start working hard on their fields. With these steps we expect good yields from the fields.”

Mr Nyathi urged the Government to put tight monitoring mechanisms when the inputs are distributed to ensure that all the intended beneficiaries received their share.

Chief Siansale of Binga said the programme would go a long way towards equipping poor farmers, especially in remote rural areas, to have something to start from when the rains come.

“This is a welcome move by the Government to assist the people. We expect these inputs to be distributed fairly with the involvement of traditional leaders who live with the people in villages. This will curb elements of corruption,” said Chief Siansale.

Under the programme, a household would receive a basic input package of 10 kilogrammes maize/small grain seed, 50kg compound D fertilizer, 50kg Ammonium Nitrate fertilizer and 50kg lime to improve the quality of the soil.

Umguza based farmer Mrs Irene Maphenduka said the Government input support scheme provided farmers with a cushion but said the scheme should be extended to commercial farmers as well.

“Certainly we appreciate the effort of the Government and the inputs will take farmers somewhere. We, however, feel more support should be extended to A2 farmers as well because not all of them have the capacity,” said Mrs Maphenduka.

Mr Thembinkosi Ngwenya from Filabusi said the input support scheme would enhance improved food production and help eradicate starvation.

“The Government has done a great thing and we look forward to improved food production, especially in our district where we usually face hunger.

“We now expect Agritex officers to work closely with farmers and ensure that all this support yields positive results,” said Mr Ngwenya.
Gwayi Ward 24 Councillor Nicholas Ndlovu said farmers have no excuse for failure to produce when the Government has empowered them.
“This is good news for farmers as inputs will be availed on time. As farmers we are ready and as we speak I am meeting villagers to discuss that issue. We are optimistic that we will reap good yields,” he said.

The input programme resonates well with Zanu-PF’s pledge in the run up to the 31 July elections to support farmers to grow and develop agriculture, which is the backbone of the country’s economy.

The financing of the agriculture sector was heavily crippled during the lifespan of the Inclusive Government as MDC-T Finance Minister Tendai Biti failed to allocate funding for farmers.

Finance Minister Cde Patrick Chinamasa has said the funding would be channelled towards production, importation of inputs for seed and fertilizer.

He said some of the funding would be used to rehabilitate the District Development Fund (DDF) and improving the handling capacity of the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).

The Government has also vowed to expedite clearance of outstanding payments to input manufacturers for last year’s supplies.
The Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development, Dr Joseph Made, has said the 2013/14 season was the last season where Government would provide direct inputs support to farmers as focus would now turn to subsidising manufacturers to lower  input costs so that farmers purchase on their own.

The Government said discussions were still in progress with the banking sector on how A2 and commercial farmers can be assisted amid indications that most agricultural financing facilities are being finalised.