Conrad Mupesa Herald Correspondent

Farmers in Mashonaland West Province have applauded the Government’s decision to classify the agricultural sector under essential services during the 21-day lockdown, which started on Monday to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Speaking to The Herald on Wednesday, farmers said they were geared to continue working so that the nation has adequate food.

Former Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) first vice president Mr Berean Mukwende said the move was a welcome recognition, but urged farmers to be wary of Covid-19.

“The move to classify the agricultural sector under essential services is a recognition of how important farmers are to the economy,” he said.

“However, farmers should take extra precaution not to spread Covid-19 by ensuring minimum movement and ensuring that their workers are well-informed about the pandemic.”

Mr Mukwende urged the Government to boost information dissemination in rural communities to improve awareness among farmers.

Ms Nomhle Mliswa, a Mhangura farmer, said there was need for farmers to sensitise their workers on the Covid-19 outbreak to curb its spread.

She said there was need for farmers to ensure social distancing and other necessary precautions.

“Covid-19 is a wake-up call to farmers with regard to prioritising their workers’ health,” she said. “It is high time that farmers consider setting up health facilities on their farms to limit distances that are travelled by their employees to the nearest health centres.”

Ms Mliswa said farmers should also provide their employees with protective clothing to minimise exposure to the disease.

A Zvimba tobacco farmer, Ms Esther Maseko called on Government to intervene in the pricing for protective clothing, which have gone beyond the reach of many, especially considering that tobacco auction floors will open soon.

But some farmers bemoaned the closure of some shops that sell products required at farms.

Government has announced that animal diseases preventive and control vaccinations against infectious diseases and treatment of sick animals; broader crop and animal health control services and national dipping programme; tsetse-fly traffic control gates to stop spread to cleared areas; milk testing and transportation to collection centres and other factories, should remain operational during the 21-day lockdown.