Fertiliser and seed producers say they have sufficient stocks to meet demand this summer cropping season.

Chemplex Corporation Chief Executive Mr Misheck Kachere said: “For the past two years, we have been left with excess fertiliser; more than enough stocks. The problem is farmers are not purchasing the product. Last season, total fertiliser consumption was 340 000 tonnes and this is likely to be the case this year.

“The price of fertiliser in other regional countries, except South Africa, is higher than Zimbabwe’s. Countries like Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique now have government subsidies, which enable their farmers to buy fertiliser at lower prices. Our Government should consider this idea.”

A 50 kg bag of fertiliser costs US$50 locally.

Zimbabwe produces adequate Nitrogen and Potassium fertilisers, but imports Potash from Russia, Israel and Belarus, among other suppliers.

Zimbabwe Seed Trade Association Chair Mr Walter Chigodora said, “The seed industry is already preparing stocks for summer cropping. Some companies have already placed the product on the market and sales have begun.

“There will be adequate maize seed to meet market requirements, along with soyabean, sorghum, cow peas, cotton seed, sugar beans and millet and rapoko seeds. Vegetable seeds are readily available throughout the year.”