Victor Maphosa Correspondent.
Agribank has set aside over $20 million to assist tobacco farmers in the coming season, the bank’s strategy, marketing and business development head, Mr Joseph Mverecha, has said.

He said the bank has also made available $105 million this year to assist farmers across the country.

Speaking at the end of Murehwa District Agriculture Show held at Murehwa Culture Centre last week, Mr Mverecha said farmers need to be supported continuously if the nation is to be the agriculture jewel of Africa again.

“This year Agribank has good news to tobacco farmers. We are going to double the $20 million which was availed to tobacco farmers last season,” he said.

“We want to support all farmers across the country who are into various agriculture activities.”

Mr Mverecha lauded tobacco farmers for a bumper harvest over the past season and said Agribank will do more to support them.

“Our tobacco for this year has already surpassed 230 million kilogrammes; this is commendable and more support will be given to the farmers so that they can produce more,” he said. “Farming is the backbone of our country’s economy.”

Mr Mverecha commended the new dispensation for a successful Command Agriculture programme and implored Murewa farmers to join in the programmes and contribute to the development of the country.

“We have a new dispensation which is in support of agriculture. You have seen for yourselves how successful Command Agriculture is,” he said.

“Government has also embarked on Command Livestock and soon other programmes will be launched.

“Let me urge all farmers here present to venture into different agricultural activities. We will support you to achieve your goals, your achievements are also a benefit to our country.”

Mr Mverecha thanked President Mnangagwa for appointing a minister responsible for the agriculture sector and added that the minister was a dedicated man with a passion for agriculture.

“Let me thank our President ED for giving the agriculture sector a dedicated man, Minister Perrance Shiri,” he said. “He approached us and asked us to work closely with you. We promised him that we will do exactly that.

“After his visit to us, we set aside $105 million to assist farmers this year and already $77 million has been used to assist farmers.”

Mr Mverecha urged tobacco farmers to desist from the habit of cutting down trees, encouraging them to instead use other methods of preparing tobacco before it is transported to the auction floors.

He called on to the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) to assist farmers in identifying profitable markets.

“To AMA, please assist our farmers when it comes to marketing their produce. Let us find good markets which will enable them earn a decent living after paying back their loans,” said Mr Mverecha.

“They must be a win-win environment between the farmer and the market.”

In his address to Murewa farmers, Murewa district crop and livestock officer Mr Douglas Makuire commended all the farmers who participated in the show, urging them to work tirelessly and contribute to national development.

“What you have exhibited this season is commendable, go and encourage others to do farming. Also consider small grains and horticulture farming also,” he said.

Mr Makuire applauded Government for distributing inputs under the Presidential Input Scheme earlier saying this will give farmers time to prepare for the farming season.