Source: Summer cropping season preparations intensify | Herald (Top Stories)

Elita Chikwati Senior Agriculture Reporter

Farmers have intensified preparations for the 2021/22 summer cropping season with unions calling for early distribution of inputs under support programmes.

Zimbabwe Farmers Union director Mr Paul Zakariya said preparations in the smallholder sector have started with liming and the establishment of planting stations.

“We encourage distribution of all inputs under support programmes to begin so that farmers get them well ahead of time,” he said.

Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president Dr Shadreck Makombe said preparations had intensified and those who are self-financed were procuring inputs.

He said some farmers were continuing with winter ploughing to conserve moisture while others on the Pfumvudza/ Intwasa making planting stations.

“We are impressed by the initiative of farmers. Some are sharing manure and crops residues for use as mulch. On the issue of inputs, consultations are underway and we have been engaged by suppliers. We hope all will be in place soon,” he said.

Zimbabwe Indigenous Women Farmers Association Trust president, Mrs Depinah Nkomo said farmers had started preparations but also urged authorities to ensure the GMB speeds up payments so farmers can producer inputs on time.

“Farmers buy inputs as they get paid their money. We have been experiencing challenges of delays in payments and this affects preparations,” she said.

GMB chief executive Mr Rockie Mutenha said the parastatal had received money and started paying farmers soon after the Heroes’ holiday.

Government has set a target of 2,8 million hectares of maize and traditional grains during the 2021/22 summer cropping season.