Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
Government has advised farmers against buying seed from bogus dealers who are on the prowl, taking advantage of a surge in demand for agricultural inputs as the 2017-18 farming season begins. Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Deputy Minister (Cropping) Mr Davis Marapira yesterday said some unscrupulous businesspeople were taking advantage of soaring demand for seed to sell fake inputs at give away prices.
“We urge our farmers to buy seed and other inputs from reputable dealers to ensure good yields,” said Mr Marapira.
A serious farmer, be under model A1 or A2, should have a database of reputable shops where they buy their inputs. We have situations where other vendors would sell uncertified seed at cheaper prices.’’
He warned farmers against rushing to buy cheap seed as they risk incurring huge losses by buying fake products.
Government says those found selling fake inputs will be pro- secuted.
He also called on farmers to buy seed varieties that are specific to their climatic regions in order to ensure good yields.
Deputy Minister Marapira said light showers received in most parts of the country signalled the start of the 2017-18 rainy season.
“I urge farmers to buy seed varieties that suit their regions. In dry regions, like most parts of Masvingo, Matabeleland South and North, farmers should plant short-season maize varieties.
“Emphasis should also be put on small grains which are drought tolerant.”
Sable Chemicals, the sole manufacturer of ammonium nitrate in the country, has already released more than 30 000 tonnes of fertiliser into the market to ease shortages caused by the scarcity of foreign currency.
Similarly, Government has started distribution of inputs under the Presidential Inputs Support Scheme, with almost 50 percent of the targeted 1,8 million households having already taken delivery of their inputs.