WATCH: Inputs to reach all farmers in two weeks

Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter

THE Government has started expediting the distribution of seeds and fertilisers to Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots nationwide for onward transmission to the farmers within the next two weeks as preparations for the upcoming summer cropping season gathers pace.

It has also warned farmers to stop planting saying the early rains received in parts of the country do not signal the commencement of the planting season but urged them to ensure all preparations were done.

This year, the inputs distribution programme is adopting an electronic approach through the e-inputs distribution system, which has already registered over 2,1 million beneficiaries out of a targeted 3,5 million farmers.

In a recent interview with Sunday News, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Professor Obert Jiri said the distribution of seeds and fertilisers commenced following the official launch by President Mnangagwa in Buhera on October 16.

President Mnangagwa

“We have already moved over 45 percent of the basal dressing fertiliser and about 30 percent of the top dressing fertiliser needed for this season,” he said.

“While seed distribution has been slower, we anticipate that within the next two weeks, all seed and fertiliser will be delivered to GMB depots where they will be distributed to farmers.”

He said while in some areas distribution is currently underway after the launch, some have not yet started receiving and local leaders must collaborate with GMB and extension officers to ensure all beneficiaries receive their inputs.

Prof Jiri emphasised that the Government is taking measures to prevent any abuse of inputs, urging potential offenders to reconsider refraining from their actions as they risk prosecution.

He said to combat pilferage, the e-inputs distribution system has been introduced to enhance efficiency through technology.

“All farmers must register in our database to obtain an e-signature, which is necessary to access inputs,” he said.

“As the rainy season approaches, we expect increased registration, especially as farmers prepare for planting.”

Despite the registration process being gradual, Prof Jiri noted that the response has been encouraging.

“We anticipate that our database will be complete by the time the distribution process is finalised,” he added.

He highlighted the importance of land preparation ahead of the onset of the rainy season saying although some areas like Mvuma and Bindura have experienced recent rainfall, it does not necessarily signal the beginning of the planting season.

“Farmers should still prepare their land while consulting local agriculture extension officers and meteorological services department before making planting decisions.

“But for the greater part of the country, these rains do not signify the start of the rains. So we must wait until later this month up to early November to ensure that when the rains come effectively, then the planting season will start,” said Prof Jiri.

He said the procurement of seeds, fertilisers and herbicides was critical at this stage noting that luck always favours the prepared.

The permanent secretary added that the Government was ready with various programs such as Pfumvudza/Intwasa, private sector contracting and other self-financing initiatives to support farmers.

“As we move forward, private sector companies have begun engaging farmers and are providing loans and inputs for proper preparation,” he said. — @nyeve14